Launch into VC

Dream VC is a premier venture capital (VC) institute and corporate venture capital (CVC) advisory practice dedicated to empowering the next generation of investors and innovators in emerging markets like Africa. Through comprehensive training programs, firm-specific upskilling, and strategic advisory, Dream VC helps individuals break into the investment industry, advance their expertise, and build new investment initiatives.

To date, Dream VC has successfully run multiple programs with participants from over 50 different countries. Our programs are highly selective with a ~5 % acceptance rate. We now have 250+ fellow alumni, who have started, currently lead, or work at Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Impact Funds, collectively managing ~$7bn in assets under management (AUM).

Dream VC is one of the first global VC fellowships to specifically focus on investing across Africa. The African continent has 54 countries and remarkably diverse ecosystems, and has seen exponential growth for both startups and investors in the last few years. However, investing on the continent has many nuances that don't necessarily fit traditional models and expectations of investing in areas such as Silicon Valley, and rightly deserves a comprehensive program covering this.

Ultimately, Dream VC aims to bridge the gap and enable more African-focused investors to contribute to the startup landscape.

Dream VC looks to support exceptional individuals who are underrepresented and underestimated in the African VC ecosystem.

These are individuals who embody our culture of daring to do difficult things in the face of challenges, are truly passionate about growing their respective ecosystems, and are highly collaborative - always thinking of giving back rather than fixating on competition.  

You do NOT need prior investing experience or accreditation to apply to Dream VC. Previous fellows came from a range of different backgrounds and experiences, many of which were not 'traditional molds' and have now gone on to successfully thrive in venture capital. We are seeking out for individuals who are tapped into the pulse of the African startup landscape and will genuinely roll up their sleeves to support their community.

The Launch Into Venture Capital (LIVC) Fellowship is a fundamentals crash course centered around VC in Africa, specifically geared towards young working professionals (with 2 - 5 years of full-time work experience) and in very rare cases, exceptional students and recent graduates.

This program is perfect for those looking to join entry-level roles (Interns, Analysts, Associates) at African-focused VC & investment firms, or for active venture builders and venture scouts who want to dip their toes into the investing space.

The Investor Accelerator (IA) Fellowship is a rigorous and immersive deep dive into venture capital and investing in Africa, intended for experienced working professionals and seasoned operators with 5+ years of full-time work experience looking to pivot into an investing career.

This program is great for business executives, successful entrepreneurs, startup advisors, and supercharged community builders who have the extensive experience + capital + network to make a meaningful difference in your respective ecosystem, but perhaps lack the resources and knowledge to fully transition into an investing career.

No, both programs run concurrently on an annual basis, so it is not possible to participate in both programs at the same time.

We strongly encourage prospective fellows to carefully read through the website to see which one best aligns with their own career goals and experience or to consult the programs quiz.

The entire delivery of both programs will be fully remote.

Our dedicated community team is always active in organizing optional in-person events but even remotely you can be a full-fledged member of the community and reap the benefits!

The program runs on an annual basis from Mid-May to Autumn (September/October).

The Launch into VC Fellowship lasts for 16 weeks, spanning the months of May - September.

The Investor Accelerator Fellowship is 22 weeks long, commencing in mid May and lasting until Mid October.

Specific dates for both programs will be communicated to incoming fellows in the final interview stages for each cohort.

The expected time commitment per week is approximately 15-20 hours per week.

The programs are rigorous and challenging, akin to the structure of an intensive MBA program, to fully accelerate the learning for fellows from foundational level to advanced topics in a matter of months.

Deferrment of participation in the programs is not possible, so it is strongly recommended that prospective fellows ensure that they can meet the minimum time commitment and are able to dedicate themselves to the intensity that this program delivers.

The program fee for the Launch into VC fellowship is $1500, and the fee for the Investor Accelerator is $5000.

Collectively across programs, Dream VC covers over $75k in the value of teaching material, subscriptions, and in-house database resources to fully catalyze fellows' investing careers. This is in addition to the priceless worth of a life-time community network, hands-on mentorship, and direct access to some of the continent's top ecosystem players via exclusive panels.

Finally, fellows of both programs will also benefit from an optional (but highly popular) inclusive, fully-organized retreat.

Absolutely! We are strong believers that access barriers should not prevent you from participating in the program, especially if you are an exceptional individual.

Dream VC’s Access Foundation provides need-based aid that allows us to bring the most outstanding fellows through Dream VC, regardless of their ability to pay.

Should an applicant qualify for financial aid from Dream VC’s Access Foundation, the team will create an individualized aid package offer based on the individual’s demonstrated need, and can cover even up to the full cost of tuition.