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Overview

Unshackled VC's University Fellows Program is a year-long fellowship specifically designed for 1st and 2nd generation immigrant students interested in venture capital and early-stage investing. Unshackled is an early-stage fund for immigrant-led companies operating since 2015, providing full immigration support including visa sponsorship. The University Fellows program includes classroom-style sessions, diligence research projects, opportunities to co-publish articles and market maps, and connections to a growing community of students and recent graduates. The program provides students with support, frameworks, and deep understanding of early-stage investing, preparing them for careers in product, growth, partnerships, VC, or entrepreneurship. Cohorts have grown from 8 fellows in 2019 to 21 fellows in 2020/2021 across 25 U.S. schools.

Investment focus

The University Fellows Program aimed to empower immigrant students by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in venture capital and early-stage investing. It focused on increasing representation in the VC space by targeting 1st and 2nd generation immigrant students.

Program details

Designed for Students, Investors. The program is remote. Participation is generally part time.

Who it is for

1st and 2nd generation immigrant students (undergraduate or graduate); interest in venture capital, entrepreneurship, or early-stage investing.

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for Unshackled VC University Fellows Program

Admissions and application

The program was open to 1st and 2nd generation immigrant students who were interested in venture capital, entrepreneurship, or early-stage investing.

Benefits

Participants received a year-long comprehensive VC education, diligence research opportunities, publication and thought leadership opportunities, access to a community of student and recent graduate investors, mentorship from the Unshackled team, and direct exposure to early-stage investing.

Timeline

The program lasts for one academic year, providing a structured learning experience over 52 weeks.

What came of it

The program saw strong cohort growth from 8 to 21 fellows, with diverse representation across 25 schools, leading to pathways to VC careers or entrepreneurship and a deep understanding of early-stage investing dynamics.

How to go about it

  1. Read what it asks for

    Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.

  2. Have something to show

    Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.

  3. Apply the way the program asks

    The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

What it pays

The program is free or subsidized for fellows, with no direct financial compensation provided.

Questions about this program

Who was eligible for the 2021/22 cohort?

The historical call welcomed current university students, including undergraduate and graduate students. Current eligibility is not established.

What did the fellowship include?

For the 2021/22 cohort, Unshackled described sessions, research projects, co-publishing opportunities, and community access.

Is the fellowship currently accepting applications?

Current availability is unknown. The evidence documents a historical 2021/22 cohort, and a 2025 company update does not say whether University Fellows continued.

What was the application deadline?

The 2021/22 application deadline was September 17, 2021, at 5 p.m. PT; it is not a current deadline.

About Unshackled Ventures

Unshackled Ventures

Venture Capital

Empowering immigrant founders in the U.S.

Lists that include this program

From public sources

What the sources say about Unshackled VC University Fellows Program

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