Applying to the Kauffman Fellows Program
The Kauffman Fellows Program identifies, develops, and networks the next generation of global leaders in the venture capital industry. While working full time at a venture capital firm, a Kauffman Fellow experiences a 2-year apprenticeship program that features a case-based, structured educational curriculum with an individual development plan, executive coaching, facilitated mentoring by a senior partner, and peer learning and networking – all with a focus on giving back and one's responsibility as a leader in venture capital.
Benefits of the Kauffman Fellows Program include:
- For those not yet employed in the venture industry, an extraordinary opportunity to find employment in an industry that is difficult to access,
- An instant global network of valuable, ongoing business relationships in the venture industry, and
- Accelerated advancement in the venture capital field.
Kauffman Fellows are selected through two channels, determined by whether they are looking to enter the venture capital industry or are currently employed in the industry.
The Finalist Selection Process
Applicants who are looking to enter the industry apply to be selected as a Kauffman Finalist. To become a finalist, candidates go through a rigorous screening process that includes an application evaluation and review by practicing venture capitalists and then two semi-finalist interviews conducted by venture capitalists and partners of the Kauffman Fellows Program.
Once an applicant is selected as a Kauffman Finalist, the candidate and Kauffman Fellows Program staff combine resources to begin the process of securing a position with a venture firm, including facilitating informal introductions, distributing a "bio book" of profiles of each Finalist, and holding formal Finalist Introduction events at our conference center.
Our experience has shown that venture capital firms are more than happy to talk to candidates who have survived the strict scrutiny of the Kauffman Fellows Finalist process. If the finalist is then offered a job by a venture firm, and that firm agrees to sponsor the finalist through the program, that finalist will enter the next Kauffman Fellows class.
Additionally, a significant number of firms contact the Kauffman Fellows Program throughout the year to inquire about candidates who fit job specifications desired by the firm. If the firm hires a finalist through this avenue, this finalist can also enter the next Kauffman Fellows class with the support of his or her new firm.
The Affiliate Selection Process
The affiliate application is for candidates who are currently investment professionals and have been in the venture capital industry for less than 5 years. Applicants and firms apply together; the candidate completes the online affiliate application, and the prospective mentor completes a Statement of Interest form and recommendation. Affiliate applications are subjected to a rigorous screening process, analogous to that for Kauffman Finalists. Fellows selected through the affiliate process perform their fellowship at the firm in which they are currently employed.
Diversity in the Kauffman Fellows Program
The Kauffman Fellows Program is committed to helping bring diversity to the venture capital industry, and we especially encourage qualified women and minority candidates to apply. Please follow these links to view our brochures about women and minority candidates.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
The Center for Venture Education and the Kauffman Fellows Program admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.