Program · Fellowship
CatalyzU Venture Capital Fellowship (formerly Young African Catalysts)
CatalyzU Venture Capital Fellowship is CatalyzU's fellowship offering talent development for aspiring African VCs.
- Application state
- Not currently accepting
Overview
What CatalyzU Venture Capital Fellowship (formerly Young African Catalysts) offers
What CatalyzU Venture Capital Fellowship (formerly Young African Catalysts) is
CatalyzU Venture Capital Fellowship is a verified online venture-capital training fellowship hosted by CatalyzU, formerly Young African Catalysts. The fundamentals edition is a six-week online program priced at USD 1,300 and aimed at people looking to break into the VC ecosystem or still early in their VC journey. Graduates join the Young African Catalyst alumni ecosystem, and CatalyzU also operates CatalyzConnect, a job-placement platform linking trained graduates to startup and VC opportunities in African and global ecosystems.
Operational profile
Program status and context
Program status describes the program itself. Application availability and deadlines remain separate.
- Operational status
- Active
- Program type
- Fellowship
- Host organization
- CatalyzU
- Last reviewed
- June 15, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- Pay To Participate
Compensation and economics
The program is free of charge, providing an 8-week structured curriculum without any compensation.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
CatalyzU aims to democratize access to the venture capital ecosystem in Africa by developing talent and providing opportunities for young individuals interested in venture capital. The program focuses on equipping fellows with the necessary skills and real-world experience to thrive in the VC landscape.
Eligibility
Applicants must be under 35 years old with 0-8 years of work experience, regardless of their background. A keen interest in African venture capital is essential.
Selection approach
The fellowship is open for applications, targeting individuals under 35 years old with varying backgrounds and interests in African venture capital.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Audience
- Founders · Investors
- Geographic eligibility
- Africa · Global
- Career stage
- Early Career · Mid Career
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Remote
- Main location
- Pan-Africa
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Engagement
- Part Time
Delivery model
The program is fully remote, allowing participants from across Africa to engage without geographical constraints.
Participation expectations
The fellowship requires a part-time commitment over the 8-week duration, with bi-weekly lectures and startup pairing.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Not currently accepting
- Admissions
- Rolling
- Application materials
- Application Form
Published timeline
The program lasts for 8 weeks, with periodic cohorts.
Application considerations
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in venture capital and a willingness to learn. Networking with current fellows and alumni can provide valuable insights.
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 benefit from a structured curriculum, pairing with 2 startups for real-world work, and potential internship opportunities at partner VCs post-fellowship.
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 community includes investors under 35 from 50 premier African VC funds, with over 250 startup deals shared internally. The YAC Venture Fund I is launching, targeting investments in startups focused on job creation and infrastructure development in Africa.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
CatalyzU Venture Capital Fellowship (formerly Young African Catalysts) is published in Upseed as a fellowship program hosted by CatalyzU. 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
June 15, 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.