Program · Fellowship
Kauffman Fellows Program
Kauffman Fellows Program is Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's fellowship offering transformational education and networking for venture capitalists.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What Kauffman Fellows Program offers
What Kauffman Fellows Program is
The Kauffman Fellows Program is the largest and most established venture capital fellowship in the world, serving as a two-year transformational education, networking, and leadership development program for venture capitalists and capital formation professionals. Founded in 2000 and spun out from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the program represents the gold standard in VC professional development globally. The program includes in-person modules, global treks, monthly peer forums, and ongoing mentorship, creating a diverse cohort of investment professionals.
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
- Kauffman Fellows
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Price
- Paid
- Compensation
- Unknown
Compensation and economics
The program does not provide any financial compensation to fellows.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
The Kauffman Fellows Program aims to develop the next generation of venture capital leaders by providing a comprehensive educational experience that emphasizes personal development, investment strategy, and operational rigor. It addresses the need for skilled professionals in capital formation and fosters a strong network of influential venture capitalists globally.
Eligibility
The program intentionally recruits diverse investor profiles including venture capital partners, private equity investors, family office leaders, accelerator fund managers, corporate venture capital professionals, angel network operators, and sovereign wealth fund representatives. Designed for senior leaders in capital formation with typically 5+ years of investment experience.
Selection approach
The program has a highly selective admission process emphasizing not just investment track record but also leadership potential and commitment to peer learning. Candidates are typically senior leaders in capital formation with 5+ years of investment experience.
- Regions
- Asia · Europe · Global · North America
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- In Person
- Main location
- Palo Alto, California, United States
- Duration
- 104 weeks
- Cohort size
- 40
- Engagement
- Unknown
Delivery model
The program includes a combination of in-person intensive modules and global treks, requiring participants to attend sessions in locations such as San Francisco or New York.
Participation expectations
The program is designed to be part-time, allowing fellows to continue their professional commitments while participating in the fellowship.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Unknown
Published timeline
The program lasts for two years (24 months) and includes five in-person modules, a global summit, regional treks, and monthly forums.
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
Kauffman Fellows report significant professional development including enhanced investment decision-making capabilities, expanded professional networks and deal flow, clarity on investment thesis and strategy, peer support and ongoing mentorship relationships, and access to global venture ecosystem insights.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
Kauffman Fellows Program is published in Upseed as a fellowship program hosted by Kauffman Fellows. 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.