Program · Accelerator
VC Lab (Founder Institute)
VC Lab is Decile Group / Founder Institute's accelerator offering a comprehensive curriculum for aspiring fund managers to launch VC firms.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What VC Lab (Founder Institute) offers
What VC Lab (Founder Institute) is
VC Lab is Decile Group's venture capital accelerator for new and emerging fund managers launching ethical VC firms. The official VC Lab page describes it as a free flagship 14-week intensive accelerator for managers fundraising and launching venture firms, with 920+ firms launched across more than 90 countries. Decile Group's VC Lab page frames the offer as AI-powered tools, expert mentorship, and a global network to help close a fund in under six months.
Operational profile
Program status and context
Program status describes the program itself. Application availability and deadlines remain separate.
- Operational status
- Active
- Program type
- Accelerator
- Host organization
- Decile Group
- Last reviewed
- June 12, 2026
What Accelerator means
An accelerator is a structured, short-term program designed to speed up a startup's progress toward product-market fit, traction, fundraising, or scale.
Open the glossary entryTerms and economics
Published program terms
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- No Compensation
Compensation and economics
This program does not provide any financial compensation to participants.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
VC Lab aims to transform the venture capital landscape by empowering aspiring fund managers to launch their own firms. The program focuses on ethical investment practices and provides the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in the competitive VC environment.
Eligibility
Aspiring fund managers; emerging managers seeking to launch new funds; anyone passionate about starting a venture capital firm.
Selection approach
The program is open to anyone passionate about starting a venture capital firm, including aspiring fund managers and emerging managers seeking to launch new funds.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Series A
- Regions
- Global
- Audience
- Fund Managers · Investors · General Partners
- Geographic eligibility
- Global
- Career stage
- Mid Career · Senior · Executive
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Remote
- Main location
- Palo Alto, California, United States
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Engagement
- Part Time
Delivery model
The program operates in a hybrid format, with both online and in-person components available.
Participation expectations
Participants are expected to commit approximately 25 hours per week to the program activities.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Application Only
- Application materials
- Written Statement
Published timeline
The program lasts for 14 weeks, with a rigorous curriculum designed to help participants launch their venture capital firms efficiently.
Application considerations
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for venture capital and their commitment to ethical investment practices. Networking and engagement with peers can enhance the experience.
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 free 14-week comprehensive fund-building curriculum, access to a community of peer managers, networking opportunities with Silicon Valley experts, webinars, office hours, and a Demo Day fundraising platform.
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
Reported outcomes
Since its inception, VC Lab has successfully launched over 600 VC firms, significantly reducing the time to first close from 18-24 months to 6 months or less. Nearly 50% of new VC firms launched in 2023 were supported by VC Lab.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
VC Lab (Founder Institute) is published in Upseed as a accelerator program hosted by Decile Group. 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.