Program · Fellowship
Commerce Ventures Fellowship
Commerce Ventures Fellowship is Commerce Ventures' fellowship offering paid experience in venture capital for high-potential students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Application state
- Not currently accepting
Overview
What Commerce Ventures Fellowship offers
What Commerce Ventures Fellowship is
Commerce Ventures Fellowship The Commerce Ventures Access Fellowship is a 12-week venture capital fellowship program designed for high-potential college juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. The program provides paid experience in a venture capital firm context, combining hands-on learning with structured training in VC fundamentals. Fellows participate in pitch meetings with entrepreneurs, learn venture capital investing processes, and contribute to thematic research projects aligned with Commerce Ventures' investment thesis. The fellowship includes a $5,000 stipend and offers both remote and in-person participation options, making the program accessible to candidates across geographies.
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
- Commerce Ventures
- Last reviewed
- June 12, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Investment
- $250,000,000
- Stipend
- $5,000
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- Stipend
Compensation and economics
Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend for the 12-week program, paid in twice-monthly installments.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
Commerce Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in companies that are digitizing retail and financial services. The Access Fellowship aims to build a diverse talent pipeline in the venture capital industry by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Eligibility
The program targets college juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds, including women, racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and first-generation college students. A strong academic record (GPA 3.2 or higher preferred) is also required.
Selection approach
Applications typically open in the fall, with the fellowship starting in the summer. Candidates must submit an online application form, resume, short essays, and contact information for a reference.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Regions
- United States
- Audience
- Students
- Geographic eligibility
- United States
- Career stage
- Student
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Remote
- Main location
- San Francisco, California, United States
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Cohort size
- 1
- Cohorts per year
- 2
- Engagement
- Part Time
Delivery model
The program offers a hybrid format, allowing for both remote and in-person participation. While candidates in the San Francisco Bay Area are preferred, remote participation is available.
Participation expectations
Participants are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week over the 12-week program duration.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Not currently accepting
- Admissions
- Application Only
- Application materials
- Resume · Written Statement · References
Published timeline
The fellowship lasts for 12 weeks, with a commitment of approximately 10 hours per week. Applications are typically due in December/January, with the fellowship starting in the summer.
Application considerations
Applicants should highlight their unique backgrounds and experiences in their essays. Strong communication skills and a genuine interest in venture capital are essential.
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 gain exposure to venture capital through training, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience with real investment processes. The program also emphasizes diversity and inclusion in the VC industry.
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
Reported outcomes
Alumni of the Commerce Ventures Access Fellowship have pursued careers in venture capital, launched their own startups, and taken roles in portfolio companies. Many remain engaged with the startup ecosystem and provide mentorship to new fellows.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
Commerce Ventures Fellowship is published in Upseed as a fellowship program hosted by Commerce Ventures. 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 12, 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.