Become a
Kauffman Fellow
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Application Process
Complete the online application form (takes about one hour to complete). Submit your application along with a non-refundable application fee. If you apply earlier than 11:59pm PT on December 6th, the application fee will be $100. After that deadline, the fee will increase to $300.
Our recruitment process looks at you holistically, not just what we find on paper. Candidates with strong written applications will be invited for a series of interviews with our Fellows, conducted via video chat.
At the conclusion of the interview process, candidates for the new Fellows class will be selected by our Admissions Committee. If selected, you will be informed of next steps to preparing for the program.
Applications for Class 30 Open
Early Submission Deadline
Final Submission Deadline
Scholarship Applications Due
Interview Process Begins
Candidates Notified of Acceptance Decisions
Enrollment and Onboarding for Module 1
Your time is one of the greatest investments you make. During your two years, we expect you will devote ~20-25 days to the Kauffman Fellows Program for 5 in-person 4-day Modules, plus multiple monthly virtual sessions.
You are also expected to attend two Global Summits (one per year) and one Global Trek.
We recognize that this time away from work and family obligations can be challenging. That said, Fellows are required to attend all modules and summits to graduate. You have been given all of the dates in advance; please plan accordingly.
We understand that extenuating circumstances sometimes prevent a Fellow from attending a Module, Summit, Trek, or virtual session. Extenuating circumstances are defined as personal and family illness and parental leave. Conferences, board meetings, and business meetings—even LP commitments — are not considered extenuating circumstances.
June 16-19, 2025
New York City, US
November 3-6, 2025
London, UK
February 9-12, 2026
San Francisco, CA
April 13-15, 2026
Dubai, UAE
June 15-18, 2026
New York City, US
November 2026
TBA
February 2027
San Francisco, CA
April 2027
TBA
June 2027
New York City, US
As a peer-to-peer learning experience, we seek individuals with a high degree of intellectual curiosity who are ready to play the role of teacher, just as much as student.
Fellows will be exposed to content and ideas from hundreds of perspectives, and are expected to assist in curating a trusted, vulnerable space where everyone feels comfortable sharing successes or challenges, with a willingness to learn from anyone, anywhere. This could range from discussing a recent deal that was won, to challenging partner dynamics, or diving into an emerging ecosystem that you may not invest in.
In each class, we accept a range of venture capital experience, but to help set expectations for what we’re looking for, below are the details from our most recently seated class:
- 86% are direct venture capital investors, with 50% from emerging firms (Funds I-III), and 50% from established firms (Funds IV+)
- The remaining 14% consists of LPs, CVCs, and other key ecosystem contributors
- 72% held partner-level or higher positions, though we accept a mix of GPs, partners, and principals
- 43% are founders of their firms
- Median AUM ranges from $25M for Fund I to $1.3B for Funds IV+
We recruit
directly in line
with our mission
We believe that venture capital is one of the most powerful tools for economic development and prosperity. Our mission is to ensure our Fellows, through our education programs and network, acquire and create new skills rooted in venture capital excellence and use those skills to lead meaningful positive change.
We also expect every Fellow to become a steward of the principles of duty and care, of the law and contracts, of the power balance among investees and peers, of the protection of human rights, dignity, and non-discrimination, of the values of inclusion, and committed to sustainable prosperity.
Tuition & Fees
Program tuition is $80,000, due before the first module. This amount covers venues, food and beverage at modules and summits, educational materials, academic mentoring, and professional development. It does not include transportation and lodging for events.
Tuition payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable, and payment can be made by electronic bank transfer or check. Credit cards are not accepted. Upon acceptance to the program, detailed payment information will be provided.
Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date, or upon receipt of the invoice if admission is within 60 days of the start of the Program. We recognize that the program is a significant financial commitment and Fellows generally meet the financial obligation with a combination of firm support and personal funds.
Scholarships
We offer a limited amount of needs-based scholarships that cover a portion of the tuition fee. A scholarship application can be accessed after an application is entirely completed. Our Scholarship Committee and Admissions Committee meet separately — applying for a scholarship does not impact one’s chance of being accepted to the program.
As scholarships are not guaranteed, we suggest candidates make arrangements to fully cover tuition and expenses on their own.