Scout ProgramSequoia Capital
Discover how to become a Sequoia scout including requirements, application process, and compensation and explore other VC scout programs to join.
- Location
- Menlo Park, California
- Terms
- Mixed Compensation
VC scout programs
VC Scout Program Index
Programs where a fund asks people close to founders to introduce promising startups, usually in exchange for carry or a small check-writing allowance.
176 documented1 want applications right now
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176 programs
Scout Program
Scout ProgramAndreessen Horowitz (a16z)
What is known about a16z's invitation-only scout network, and the official a16z programs you can apply to instead.
- Location
- Menlo Park, California, United States
- Terms
- Carry Share
Scout ProgramContrary Capital
Identifying exceptional talent before the world recognizes their potential.
- Location
- United States
Scout ProgramPeak XV Partners
Distributed capital syndication platform for early-stage startups.
- Location
- India, Southeast Asia, Australia
Scout ProgramFounders Fund
Identifying and supporting early-stage startups through external networks.
Scout ProgramAccel
Empowering high-signal operators to invest in early-stage companies across Europe.
- Terms
- Carry Share
Scout ProgramPlug and Play Tech Center
Connecting startups with corporate partners and investment opportunities globally.
- Location
- global
Scout ProgramInfluence Ventures
Open scouting programs connect scouts with VCs for diverse deal sourcing.
- Terms
- Carry Share
Scout ProgramIndex Ventures
Index Ventures Scout Program expands early-stage founder reach through a unique investment model.
- Location
- San Francisco, New York, London
- Terms
- Mixed Compensation
Scout ProgramAccel
Empowering high-signal operators to invest in early-stage companies.
- Location
- United States
- Terms
- Carry Share
Scout ProgramGeneral Catalyst
Empowering student founders and future venture investors.
- Location
- North America
Scout ProgramBessemer Venture Partners
Bessemer's Scout Program leverages a distributed network to identify early-stage startups.
- Terms
- Carry Share
About scout programs
A scout program lets a venture fund borrow your vantage point. You introduce companies you already know, explain why they matter, and the fund decides whether to invest.
Who it is for: operators, founders, researchers, students, and community builders who see companies early. An investing title is rarely required.
What you get: most programs share carry on deals you source. Some give scouts a small fund to write checks from, and a few pay a stipend. The brand and the relationship with the fund often matter as much as the economics.
How people get in: many programs are invite-only and recruit through their portfolio. Others take applications. A written record of companies you spotted early, and when, is the strongest signal.
Questions people ask
What does a VC scout actually do?
You introduce companies you already know to a fund, and write down why they were interesting. The work is proximity and judgment, not process.
How are scouts paid?
Usually carry on the deals you source, sometimes a small check-writing allowance, occasionally a stipend. Where the terms are confirmed, they are on the program page.
Do I need to be an investor already?
No. Most programs look for people close to founders, such as operators, researchers, and community builders, rather than people with an investing title.
Superscout Pro
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$99a year, or $12 a month
Get Pro- Search that narrowsInvestors, programs, accelerators, incubators and studios, by stage, sector and place.
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