VC Lab is the gold standard in venture capital acceleration, helping to launch more venture capital firms and close more funds than all other programs combined. Alumni firms are approaching $5 B in AUM, and have seen hundreds of portfolio companies secure significant markups.
Gold Standard – the leading global accelerator program for VC with a curriculum designed for firm success. Our values and solutions set us apart.
Fast – a streamlined process and a proven 14-week curriculum that will help you close in under 6 months.
Institutional Grade – build an enduring firm ready to appeal to the most sophisticated investors in this space.
Cohort 16 is our fastest program, yet, helping managers to close on capital in 4 to 6 months. We have worked to cut a full month off the accelerator program while helping managers secure larger commitments from limited partners faster. This allows managers to deploy more capital in 2024.
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Month Close
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Limited Partners
VC Lab is institutional grade, trusted by limited partners worldwide. Our high standards of training, operational excellence, and world-class tools have attracted over 130,000 limited partners worldwide. Investors from our LP matching programs are looking to deploy $350 MM into new and emerging managers over the next 18 months.
Participants get access to Decile Hub, the leading venture platform. Hub is a vertical SaaS solution for venture capital, used monthly by over 800 firms worldwide. The platform integrates fundraising, dealflow, data rooms, and more, replacing the need for Docsend, DocuSign, Affinity, and other expensive solutions.
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VC Firm Users
“Cohort 16 is the pinnacle of accelerator programs. We have the best team, network, and tools to help you launch a world-class fund.“
Adeo Ressi, CEO
Cohort 16 Enhancements
Cohort 16 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
Condensed Curriculum
We identified the most important pieces of curriculum and removed the rest so that as an emerging manager you are focused on the critical aspects of your new fund
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
Tracks for Emerging Managers, Venture Studios, Accelerators, AI Funds, 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 16, 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.
Early Deadline
July 29th, 2024
Final Deadline
September 16th, 2024
Start
October 9th, 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:
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.
Thesis: A well-formed fund Thesis with a clear value add that shows you have put thought into your fund.
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.
Needs: A detailed assessment of your needs from a program like VC Lab to start a fund.
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.
The Decile Group develops industry-leading offerings to transform venture capital into an ethical force for good in the world, including VC Lab, Decile Hub, Decile Partners and Decile Capital.
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