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VC Lab Programs Insights

VC Lab Cohort 14

Empowering the next generation of venture capitalists

We are excited to announce the launch of VC Lab Cohort 14, a big leap in venture capital acceleration. The program has taken the best and made it better by helping managers close on a larger amount of capital faster. From in person LP events worldwide to AI assistance, Cohort 14 helps new and emerging managers to achieve best-in-class results.

Cohort 14 will help managers bring a new fund to market in 6 months or less, oversubscribe the fund target, and expedite discussions with larger LPs. The program provides weekly sessions with experts for Q&A and mentoring, as well as group office hours. The new weekly curriculum of Sprints pushes managers to hit top tier fundraising goals.

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LPs in Network

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Firms on Decile Hub

Decile Hub, the top venture capital platform, has been co-developed with the VC Lab program and has major upgrades for Cohort 14. The new AI assistant helps with strategy, and there are many new power tools to close limited partners. The platform is being used by over 500 firms a month.

“Cohort 14 is the pinnacle of accelerator programs. We have brought together the leading program, an inspirational network, and the best technology to help every manager be more successful.

Adeo Ressi, CEO

Cohort 14 Enhancements

Cohort 14 introduces a series of proven enhancements tested in previous programs:

  • LP Event Network

    Releasing a global in-person network of events for managers to meet with limited partners

  • AI Copilot

    Upgrading our venture LLM to provide proactive guidance, support, and advice

  • Fast LP Commits

    Rolling out new tools to accelerate collecting commitments from limited partners

  • Institutional LP Guides

    Enhancing the curriculum with best practices to close institutional LPs efficiently

  • Venture Platform

    Granting exclusive access to the top venture platform for fund operations, Decile Hub

  • Close in <6 months

    Helping managers close on capital in under 6 months

decilehub crm app

Tracks for Emerging Managers, Venture Studios, Family Offices, Fund of Funds, and other specialty funds.

Our Vision

We see venture capital as a force for good in the world, funding companies bringing widespread positive change for humanity. We have high ethical standards and work tirelessly to help the best managers find and fund the seminal companies of our collective future.

Our Values

The VC Lab Way is an action-oriented approach to getting involved in venture capital that merges the economic gains of the asset class with ethical stewardship.

  • Commitment to Positivity

    Professionals are committed to creating financial and non-financial positive outcomes for all stakeholders, consciously avoiding harm to any party.

  • Benefiting Society

    The Mensarius Oath emphasizes the use of financial expertise to benefit humanity, aligning with VC Lab’s mission of societal good.

  • Integrity and Fairness

    Professionals pledge to fight any abuse of power, promote equality, and uphold high ethical standards in all interactions.

  • Privacy Respect

    The Oath underscores the importance of privacy, ensuring confidential matters are protected from unwanted public disclosure.

  • Accountability

    Violations of the Oath’s values lead to voluntary departure from the industry, maintaining the integrity of the profession.

Our Methods

The VC Lab Way is founded on a comprehensive set of methods designed to promote a transformational approach to venture capital.

  • Weekly Expert Mentoring

    These interactive sessions serve as a platform for discussion, instruction, and exploration, offering invaluable insights into the venture capital landscape.

  • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Events

    Featuring industry experts, these events enable participants to delve into the complexities of the industry and gather invaluable knowledge from experienced professionals.

  • Brutally Honest Feedback

    VC Lab emphasizes the importance of candid feedback. Participants regularly receive straightforward, constructive criticism about their performance.

  • Weekly Mandatory Sprints

    VC Lab implements a system of weekly mandatory sprints. Each sprint focuses on a specific goal, encouraging participants to work diligently towards achieving it.

  • Regular Reviews

    Regular pass/fail reviews serve as a key accountability mechanism within the VC Lab program. These reviews evaluate participants’ progress and commitment to their Venture Capital journey.

  • Epic Sprint to Catch Up

    VC Lab recognizes that sometimes participants may fall behind. To address this, they arrange an “Epic Sprint” that allows participants to catch up and get back on track.

  • Active Peer Support

    Active peer support fosters a sense of community, promotes collaborative learning, and creates an environment where participants can learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.

We help managers launch top performing funds as part of this change, showing that ethical investing in venture yields the strongest financial returns. We stand by our alumni as top in the industry. Our high standards inspire greater confidence in the asset class from new and established limited partners.

With Cohort 14, you’re not just joining a program – you’re becoming part of a movement that’s shaping the future of the venture capital industry. We are building the future of venture capital together.

Final Deadline

March 11th, 2024

Start

March 27th, 2024

Completion

July 3rd, 2024

How to Apply?

VC Lab is poised to receive a record amount of applications for the next cohort. To stand out, ensure you have a strong application. Some areas to stand out in the application process include:

  1. Background: A memorable paragraph on your background that explains why you are uniquely suited to build a venture capital firm, sharing something interesting about you.
  2. Thesis: A well-formed fund Thesis with a clear value add that shows you have put thought into your fund.
  3. Availability: The ability to execute 40 hours or more per week of work into closing your fund as needed, since closing can be time consuming.
  4. Needs: A realistic assessment of your actual needs from a program like VC Lab to start a fund.
  5. Video: A strong video where you look and sound professional about why you are uniquely suited to be a venture capitalist and why you are passionate about launching the fund.

If you get one of the coveted spots in the program, you will need to publicly share a commitment to the Mensarius Oath of ethical investing. Remember, admissions are competitive – so make your application shine.

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Apply to VC Lab Cohort 20

Apply by the Final Deadline on January 12

VC Lab Cohort 14 Schedule

DATE

NAME

DESCRIPTION


2024-03-11

Sprint 0 – Orientation

  • Receive orientation about the Accelerator Program

2024-03-18

Sprint 1 – Thesis Development

  • Meeting the community of emerging managers and leaders in VC industry
  • Drafting the investment thesis

2024-03-25

Sprint 2 – Venture Team

  • Examining track record
  • Identifying future portfolio companies

2024-04-01

Sprint 3 – Deal Warehouse

  • Examining track record
  • Identifying future portfolio companies

2024-04-15

Sprint 4 – Thesis Review

  • Validating your investment thesis with experts
  • Preparing initial pitching materials

2024-04-22

Sprint 5 – Firm Positioning

  • Developing your brand and identity
  • Defining the fund details

2024-04-29

Sprint 6 – Fund Presentation

  • Creating a world-class presentation
  • Selecting crucial tools and platforms

2024-05-06

Sprint 7 – Initial Pitch Meetings

  • Pitching LPs for feedback
  • Starting relationship tracking and management

2024-05-13

Sprint 8 – Fund Presentation Review

  • Validating your presentation with experts
  • Securing initial PACT LP commitments

2024-05-20

Sprint 9 – Fund Economics

  • Refining the economic model for your fund
  • Defining the terms of the fund

2024-06-03

Sprint 10 – Fund Overview & Deal Room

  • Continuing to pitch LPs
  • Optimizing fund terms

2024-06-10

Sprint 11 – Pitch Meetings & Funnel

  • Building LP funnel
  • Preparing for diligence on upcoming investments

2024-06-17

Sprint 12 – Pipeline Review

  • Validating your fundraising progress with experts

2024-06-24

Sprint 13 – Fund Closing Strategy

  • Formulate a strategy to close the fund
  • Drafting the term sheet

2024-07-08

Sprint 14 – Deal Process

  • Forming industry partnerships for deal flow and credibility
  • Identifying legal support

2024-07-15

Sprint 15 – Fund Formation

  • Finalize Team Agreements 
  • Begin forming the fund entities

2024-07-22

Sprint 16 Fund Close & Graduation

  • Starting the process of closing your fund

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