Become a
Kauffman Fellow

Join a network of ambitious investors dedicated to changing VC as we know it.

Application Details

Application Process

Step 1
Application

Complete the online application form (takes about one hour to complete), which includes providing at least two individuals as references. Submit your application along with a $250 non-refundable application fee.

Step 2
Interviews

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.

Step 3
Selection

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.

October 11, 2023

Applications for Class 29 Open

November 17, 2023

Early Submission Deadline
Early applicants will have exclusive access to attend a KF event.

January 12, 2024

Final Submission Deadline

January 26, 2024

Scholarship Applications Due

February 2024

Interview Process Begins

April 2024

Candidates are Notified

April-June 2024

Onboarding for Module 1

During your two years, we expect that you will devote ~30-40 days to the Kauffman Fellows Program for in-person four-day modules, virtual sessions, monthly two-hour forum calls, and four-day annual summits. 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 in order to graduate. We aim to send all dates at least a year in advance so you can adequately plan.

Module 1

June 2 - 5, 2024

Scott's Valley, CA

Global Summit

September 2024

Montreal, Canada

Module 2

February 2025

TBA

Module 3

June 2025

TBA

Module 4

October 2025

TBA

Global Summit

February 2026

TBA

Module 5

June 2026

TBA

Helpful Resources

Class 29 Prospectus

The Class 29 Prospectus is a holistic overview of what the two-year experience will look like for the next incoming cohort. Please read this thoroughly before submitting your application.

Four Pillars of VC Success

The Four Pillars is a distillation of the traits, characteristics, and behaviors that we’ve learned from the best investors in the world that we use in the context of optimizing success.

Class 28 Announcement

To better understand our class design process, meet our most recent cohort, Class 28, a group of talented investors who are diverse across sector, stage, geography, gender, and ethnicity.

We recruit
directly in line
with our mission

We’re contributing to a greater venture capital industry by investing in diverse leaders who operate with diligence, self-awareness, and purpose. While investment records and professional profiles play a role, our selection process is based in our belief that the future is human. We seek Fellows looking to accelerate their growth so they can maximize their impact on the world.

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.