UndercoverVC Fellowship

UndercoverVC was a student venture capital network and fellowship program operating from 2019 to 2021 that created equitable access and opportunity for student entrepreneurs at underrepresented colleges nationwide. The organization identified talented but overlooked student founders at lesser-known universities, validated their business ideas, helped them craft compelling pitches, and connected them with venture investors. During its two years of operation, UndercoverVC reached 25+ university campuses, partnered with 15 venture funds, and supported over 60 fellows. The program was founded on the principle that exceptional founders exist everywhere, not just at Ivy League schools, and worked to democratize access to venture capital.

UndercoverVC aimed to democratize access to venture capital by supporting student entrepreneurs from underrepresented colleges, ensuring that exceptional founders are recognized regardless of their university affiliation.

Designed for Students. The program is remote. Participation is generally async.

Student entrepreneurs at underrepresented colleges; founders with validated business ideas; founders seeking seed-stage funding.

Eligibility was focused on student entrepreneurs at underrepresented colleges with validated business ideas seeking seed-stage funding.

Participants received pitch preparation and coaching, validation of business concepts, direct connections to venture capital networks, access to a 15-fund investor partner network, and networking with peers and mentors.

The program operated year-round from 2019 to 2021.

Over 60 fellows connected to investors and raised seed capital for validated ideas, leaving an ongoing legacy through the successor organization Olivewood Ventures.