VC Training Programs You Should Probably Know About
A No-Nonsense List of VC Courses That Could Actually Help You
VC Training Programs You Should Probably Know About
A No-Nonsense List of VC Courses That Could Actually Help You *
Breaking into venture capital is tough—there’s no structured entry route, no defined qualifications, and most firms prefer hiring people with experience they don’t tell you how to get. But if you’re an aspiring investor, a founder looking to understand VC better, or someone hoping to pivot into the field, there are training programs designed to give you a leg up.
Here’s a rundown of some of the best VC training programs—whether you’re a fresh graduate, a working professional, or just someone interested in how venture funding works.
Online Programs: Learn From Anywhere
1. RBL1 Intro to VC Training
Organization: Rebel One Ventures
Duration: 50+ hours
Format: Self-paced online sessions
Cost: $1,400
Ideal For: Aspiring VCs, angel investors, and fund managers
Description: This program offers a deep dive into the VC landscape, providing networking opportunities, real investment deal access, and structured learning on how to invest in startups.
2. Venture Deals Course
Organization: Techstars, in collaboration with Kauffman Fellows
Duration: Self-paced
Format: Online, self-guided course
Cost: Free
Ideal For: Entrepreneurs and beginners looking to understand VC
Description: This course demystifies venture capital deals and early-stage financing. Learn directly from investors and founders about how fundraising works.
URL: Venture Deals
3. GoingVC Venture Capital Program
Organization: GoingVC
Duration: 16 weeks
Format: Educational program with Core and Raising a Fund tracks
Cost: Not specified
Ideal For: People looking to transition into VC
Description: GoingVC offers structured learning, networking, and hands-on deal sourcing practice to help individuals land their first roles in venture capital.
URL: GoingVC
4. Baby VC Bootcamp
Organization: Baby VC
Duration: 10 weeks
Format: Bootcamp
Cost: Free
Ideal For: Students and recent graduates
Description: A hands-on bootcamp designed for those with little or no experience in VC. It focuses on networking, investment case studies, and practical learning.
URL: Baby VC Bootcamp
5. Y Combinator Startup School
Organization: Y Combinator
Duration: Approximately 7 weeks (1-2 hours per week)
Format: Self-paced online course
Cost: Free
Ideal For: Aspiring startup founders and individuals interested in understanding the startup ecosystem
Description: Startup School provides essential advice for ambitious startup founders, taught by Y Combinator partners and industry leaders. The curriculum covers topics such as planning your MVP, modern startup funding, launching your company in the press, and user acquisition strategies.
URL: Startup School
6. Y Combinator: How to Start a Startup
Organization: Y Combinator
Duration: Varies by lecture
Format: Recorded lecture series
Cost: Free
Ideal For: Individuals seeking in-depth knowledge of startup creation and growth
Description: Originally a course taught at Stanford University, this lecture series features Y Combinator partners and successful entrepreneurs discussing various aspects of starting a startup, including idea generation, product development, and fundraising.
University-Affiliated Programs: Academic Meets Venture
7. VC University
Organization: Berkeley Law and National Venture Capital Association (NVCA)
Duration: 5 months
Format: Online Course and Live Programs
Cost: $1,850
Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, investors, and legal professionals
Description: A structured training program covering all aspects of venture capital, from term sheets to valuations, run by top-tier VC professionals.
URL: VC University
8. Kauffman Fellows Program
Organization: Kauffman Fellows
Duration: 2 years
Format: In-person modules, global summits, regional treks, monthly forums, virtual sessions
Cost: $80,000
Ideal For: Experienced professionals aiming for leadership roles in VC
Description: One of the most prestigious VC training programs globally, it’s designed to shape future leaders in the industry.
URL: Kauffman Fellows
Industry Programs: Immersive VC Experiences
9. VC Unlocked
Organization: 500 Global and Stanford Center for Professional Development
Duration: 14 days
Format: Comprehensive two-week experience
Cost: $25,000
Ideal For: Emerging leaders in the VC industry
Description: A highly intensive program designed for those serious about making a mark in VC. Participants gain direct mentorship from top-tier investors and get hands-on experience in deal sourcing and evaluation.
URL: VC Unlocked
10. Included VC Fellowship
Organization: Included VC
Duration: 5 months
Format: Virtual
Cost: Free
Ideal For: Individuals from underrepresented communities
Description: A fellowship focused on increasing diversity in the VC industry, offering comprehensive training, mentorship, and industry connections.
URL: Included VC
What’s the Best Program for You?
If you’re looking for a free intro course: Venture Deals, Startup School, or Baby VC.
If you want hands-on training: GoingVC or RBL1.
If you’re aiming for leadership roles in VC: Kauffman Fellows or VC Unlocked.
If you’re an underrepresented founder or aspiring investor: Included VC.
No single program guarantees you a VC job, but the right one can give you skills, a strong network, and an entry point into the industry. Choose wisely, and happy investing!
That’s it for this edition! If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who's looking to break into VC. Got a program I missed? Reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you.
Until next time,
Saksham
All information is accurate as of February 2025. Check the program links for the latest details.