Dream VC announces 2 programs to train the next generation of African-focused investors in 2023

Ganiu Oloruntade

Dream VC, an investor accelerator dedicated to training the next generation of African-focused investors globally, has today announced that applications for its two 2023 Venture Capital Fellowship Programs are now open.

These programs offer an extensive curriculum, practical training, and direct exposure to world-class investors, providing the ideal launchpad for aspiring and current investors to break into the African venture space.

In a statement shared with Technext, Dream VC Co-Founder Mark Kleyner expressed excitement about opening applications: “Dream VC is excited to open up applications for our Venture Capital Fellowship programs for 2023. We have had an amazing reaction from the startup and venture world in the past, and are excited to welcome new applicants from across Africa and beyond to our growing fellow community. Good luck to all the applicants!”

Dream VC Co-Founders Mark Kleyner (Left) and Cindy Ai (Right) are active ecosystem builders, advisors, and investors in African startups. Source: Dream VC. 

Founded in 2021 by a team of investors, ecosystem builders and tech founders alike, Dream VC has grown into a thriving community of 80+ alumni fellows, spread across 30+ countries, and growing with each cohort, striving to democratize access and understanding of the Venture Capital Space for professionals on the continent and among the diaspora.

Dream VC programs have a strong reputation in Africa, with over 50 VC Funds supporting the curriculum. They have trained over 80 fellows through its flagship Investor Accelerator and Launch into Venture Capital Programs. Though most are based in Africa, these fellows now span everywhere from North America to South Asia.

Past fellows have gone on to launch investment funds, set up accelerators and startup hubs, and join new and established investment funds across Africa and beyond. According to the company, Dream VC fellows work with over 35+ VC and PE funds, including Ajim Capital, Capria Ventures, Future Africa, Lateral Frontiers, Oui Capital, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, and more, and are investing in hundreds of startups.

Read also: Google launches 1st dedicated Startups Accelerator for women founders in Africa.

Dream VC will run two programs

According to the statement, the company will run a 3-month-long Launch into Venture Capital Program (LIVC) and a 5-month-long Investor Accelerator Program.  

The Launch into Venture Capital Program is ideal for junior professionals and graduates who wish to build an unparalleled skillset and break into entry-level roles (interns, analysts, associates) in African-focused VC and investment firms. 

This program’s curriculum is intensive and structured like a boot camp, with predominantly skills-based training throughout the program. Fellows on this program would get a crash course into VC, learn fundamental venture capital skills like due screening, analysis, due diligence, and more, and be trained on post-investment value add and startup support. The program also includes extensive career-building, mentorship, and network development.

Dream VC Launch into VC Program Home. Source: https://www.dream-vc.com/launch-into-vc

The Investor Accelerator Program, on the other hand, is geared towards mid to advanced-stage career professionals who have the capital and experience to begin investment activities upon program completion.

The Investor Accelerator Program is an immersive experience that covers over 800 hours of on-demand content and multiple weekly lessons across skill-building, theory, fundamentals, venture capital, and angel investing, covering many topics, from VC 101 to Fund Launch and VC Career Development. Fellows in this program would be immersed in the 0-100 of Dream VC’s extensive curriculum. They will be ready to begin investment activities or launch an initiative upon program completion.

Dream VC Investor Accelerator Program. Source: https://www.dream-vc.com/launch-into-vc

Applications for both programs are now open and will close on April 16th. The programs will run in Summer and Autumn, with the Launch into VC program from June to late August and the Investor Accelerator program from June to late October.

Interested fellows can apply to the Launch into VC program here and the Investor Accelerator program here.


Technext Newsletter

Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!

Register for Technext Coinference 2023, the Largest blockchain and DeFi Gathering in Africa.

Technext Newsletter

Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!