Program · Scout Program
BLCK VC Scout Program
BLCK VC Scout Network is BLCK VC's scout program offering training and mentorship for aspiring Black venture scouts and angel investors.
- Application state
- Not published
Overview
What BLCK VC Scout Program offers
What BLCK VC Scout Program is
The BLCK VC Scout Network is a premier initiative designed to train, mentor, and connect current and aspiring Black venture scouts and angel investors. Launched through a strategic partnership between nonprofit BLCK VC, Sequoia Capital, and Lightspeed Venture Partners, the program addresses a critical gap in venture capital representation. The program operates as a structured 6-month curriculum divided into three distinct phases. Phase 1 consists of an intensive four-week curriculum covering foundational topics including deal sourcing strategies, comprehensive due diligence processes, and techniques for winning deals as a scout. Following the initial intensive phase, participants engage in monthly convenings with leading venture firms for continued education and networking opportunities, while Deal Groups meet bi-weekly throughout Phase 2 and into Phase 3. The overarching mission is to empower Black scouts and angel investors to make more informed investments and become increasingly effective investors. The program specifically helps participants expand their deal sourcing pipelines, increase their capacity for efficient company diligence, and build networks enabling them to co-invest alongside other investors and firms.
Operational profile
Program status and context
Program status describes the program itself. Application availability and deadlines remain separate.
- Operational status
- Active
- Program type
- Scout Program
- Host organization
- BLCK VC
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
What Scout program means
A scout program is a structured venture-capital program that recruits external people to help a fund discover, refer, evaluate, or sometimes invest in early-stage startups.
Open the glossary entryTerms and economics
Published program terms
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- Carry Share
Compensation and economics
The program is unpaid but offers substantial non-monetary benefits, including access to curated educational content, mentorship from experienced venture investors, and potential carry share opportunities through co-investments.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
The BLCK VC Scout Network aims to address the critical gap in venture capital representation by empowering Black scouts and angel investors. The program focuses on enhancing participants' investment capabilities through structured training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, ultimately fostering a more inclusive venture ecosystem.
Eligibility
Eligibility requires participants to identify as Black or African American and have made at least one investment into a venture-backed company. Scouts from any venture firm are eligible, and consistent attendance is required.
Selection approach
Participation in the BLCK VC Scout Network requires meeting specific criteria: Must identify as Black or African American, must have made at least one investment into a venture-backed company, and must be able to commit to the 6-month program structure with consistent attendance.
- Stages
- Seed · Series A
- Regions
- United States
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Hybrid
- Main location
- United States
- Duration
- 26 weeks
- Cohort size
- 20
- Cohorts per year
- 2
- Engagement
- Part Time
Delivery model
The program operates in a hybrid format, allowing for both remote and in-person participation.
Participation expectations
Participants are expected to engage in the program on a part-time basis, committing to the structured 6-month curriculum.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Not published
- Admissions
- By Invitation
Published timeline
The program lasts for 6 months, with an intensive four-week curriculum followed by monthly convenings and bi-weekly Deal Group meetings.
Application considerations
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to the venture capital space and highlight any previous investment experience. Consistent attendance and engagement throughout the program are crucial for success.
Value and support
What participation may provide
Publicly described support is context, not a guarantee of current delivery or future benefit.
What participants may receive
Participants receive a structured curriculum developed by industry-leading venture professionals, access to educational content, monthly educational convenings, bi-weekly Deal Group meetings, expanded network access, co-investment opportunities, portfolio company introductions, and mentorship.
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
Reported outcomes
The program has trained multiple cohorts of Black scouts who have gone on to make subsequent investments in venture-backed companies, participate in deal groups, and build networks across the venture ecosystem.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
BLCK VC Scout Program is published in Upseed as a scout program program hosted by BLCK VC. Upseed treats the Program and its host Organization as separate records so each can have its own status and sources.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 16, 2026
Known limits
Terms, deadlines, and application states can change. Confirm current details at the published destination before acting. Upseed does not yet classify every Program destination as official.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official representative of this program or its host.