Accelerate Your Investment Career
program overview
extensive curriculum
Packed with Activities, Teaching Fellows over 800h of End-To-End Curriculum Material Condensed into Easily Digestable Learning Sessions, Workshops and Panels
Immersive learning blocks
Our Innovative Learning Structure Ensures You are Able to Understand the Ins and Outs of Each Particular Topic, Allowing You to Focus on Learning One Core Concept At a Time
Learn & NETWORK WITH THE BEST
Learn From and Network Directly with Professionals in the Field, Through Intimate Fireside Chats and Open Q&As with Ecosystem Leaders Championing African-Focused Funds
CATALYZE YOUR SOCIAL CAPITAL
Engage And Learn Through Our Collaborative Peer-To-Peer Support Culture; Foster Ties and Build Relationships That Last a Lifetime All Across Africa and Globally
expand your horizons
Who is this program for?
Regardless of your skillsets, professional experiences, and backgrounds - this a program where you will grow alongside your high calibre peers and expand your horizons on venture capital. This program is ideal for senior professionals including experienced operators, angel investors, and those exceptional entrepreneurs who wish to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the African ecosystem.
Note: This program is geared towards mid to advanced stage career professionals who have the capital and experience to begin investment activities upon program completion (start or improve angel investing, start and/or lead syndicates, launch future VC funds, join funds as a senior team member, etc.).
If you are at the earlier end of the experience spectrum and wish to break into entry level roles at investment firms (intern, analyst, associate, senior associate levels), please check out the Launch into VC Program.
Preference will be given for individuals who identify as homegrown African or part of the African diaspora; but we consider all applications if you demonstrate genuine interest + fit the program.
Senior career professionals with 5 - 10+ years experience
Leverage your professional expertise and learn how your respective experience best plugs into the space. Learn from world-class experts and explore your journey into venture capital by getting real perspectives on the realities of deploying capital and building companies in African ecosystems.
current angel investors & individuals working at investment firms
Take the knowledge from the program and cut your teeth on advanced topics such as modelling a VC fund, term sheet negotiation, and portfolio construction. Advance to the next level in terms of your understanding of the space and gain confidence in writing checks and interacting with founders strategically and collaboratively.
founders with successful exit or raised $1m+ in institutional funding
Gain unique insight into how investors assess deals and the end-to-end process of how the other side of the table thinks, from initial intro call to term sheet negotiation. Pivot into venture capital and investing with your double-armed knowledge and write checks with strong founder empathy.
Heads of entrepreneurship support organizations
Deep dive into an array of resources and comprehensive lessons to help you align with the best way to support entrepreneurs at your respective organization. Dig into what investment readiness really means and critically understand the role that every ecosystem player has to provide within the space.
experienced operators at a growth stage startup
Paired with your experience working at a fast-growing company, get hands-on support in navigating the investment world by truly walking in the shoes of an investor and hone your skills. Learn how to wear many hats and gain foundational knowledge on critical topics such as portfolio management and value add.
high net worth individuals keen on investing in startups and funds
Beyond from your capital and network, learn how to diversify your investments through the creation of innovation value. Explore the substantial role that venture capital has to play in wealth allocation, and get a deep and transparent understanding of all the risks and benefits involved for you to get truly involved in the space.
Steven waidelich
Head of Growth at Founders Factory Africa, part of the value creation team supporting the firm's portfolio startups on scaling their businesses.
Christine Namara
Currently Partner at Flat6Labs Africa Seed Fund, formerly worked at The Baobab Network and ex-Senior Product Manager at Sendy.
KEO sAR
COO & Partner at Matter Product Studio, a tech consultancy firm. Has over 10+ years of experience in senior leadership roles across sales, operations, and customer service.
No prior investment experience required
explore the curriculum
Developed with feedback from esteemed African-focused investors and global multidisciplinary experts, our content was crafted after careful analysis of the nuances of venture capital on the continent. Our Investor Accelerator program is one of the most in-depth and comprehensive venture capital programs in the world.
Fellows have lifetime access to curriculum content and recordings via an exclusive centralized platform, so they can review material whenever they need to in their own time. All fellows will also benefit from unlimited dedicated office hours to support their learning and receive implementable feedback every step of the way.
Take a deep dive into what our fellows learn over the 20 week program period, supported by our 50+ live lectures, 10+ hours of on-demand video content, as well as 15+ exclusive panels, masterclasses, and peer-led workshops.
Program • Experience
exclusive panels with Top vc investors
investment committee simulations
weekly dynamic & interactive sessions
proprietary tools & platform use
community-driven dealflow pipeline
lifetime community membership
extensive in-house resource database
inclusive annual fellows retreat
Break Through the Access & Network Barriers
Past panelists include
A week in the life of an ia fellow
Block 2 Week 2
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Wednesday
*Fellow Skillshare (FSS) is a fellows-driven skills/knowledge sharing session throughout the program that encourages fellows to teach something in their realm of expertise, whether professional or personal, that could benefit the wider community.
Panel on Winning Deals & Negotiation Tactics in VC
5pm - 6pm West African Time (GMT + 1)
Review supplementary videos and reading on Employee Stock Option Pools
Live Lecture: Guide to ESOPs, ESOP Shuffles, and Founder Vesting
6pm - 7:30 pm West African Time (GMT+1)
Office Hours with Program Director Mark to walk through sample term sheets
Live Lecture: Liquidation Preferences & Anti-Dilution Strategies
6pm - 7:30 pm West African Time (GMT+1)
Complete Investment Memo on Chosen Startup for Monthly Investment Committee
Review slides, complete case study examples on anti-dilution
Weekly All Hands & Fellow Skill Share Session
4pm - 5pm West African Time (GMT+1)
Diversified Post-Program Trajectories & Opportunities
what do fellows go on to do?
Our alumni have gone on to become powerful ecosystem builders beyond just careers in venture capital. Plug into the ecosystem as a supercharged founder, or angel invest. Launch a VC fund, or contribute as a value-adding operator. Many have gone on to work in or create entrepreneurship support organizations, and several fellows have found excellent co-founder fit amongst the cohort group.
Take a look at what some of our past fellows are up to, and become part of an ever-growing but culture-centric community that supports each other across multiple endeavors and verticals.
frequently • asked • questions