VC Lab Cohort 17 is the leading accelerator to launch top performing venture capital funds. We have a number of enhancements coming across the program, technology, and focus areas.
The end of 2024 is a unique moment in the history of venture capital and an ideal time to start a fund.
First, there are exceptional investment opportunities at reasonable valuations as a result of positive trends, like AI, space exploration, decentralized finance, and longevity, as well as global challenges, such as climate change, immigration, and conflict.
Next, there is a growing class of emerging limited partners that are eager to invest in emerging managers, allocating tens of billions of dollars into the asset class over the next 12 to 18 months, and they are not on the radar of established firms.
Lastly, the established firms, which have sharp elbows, are facing chaos after having raised excessive funds in 2021 and 2022, creating opportunities for emerging managers to capture exceptional dealflow.
This unique combination of circumstances creates an enormous opportunity for emerging managers to start top performing funds. We think the opportunity is so large at the present moment that we are calling Cohort 17 “Inter Planetary.” The funds started in this timeframe will back technologies used as we explore the Moon and Mars.
We are excited about the prospects, and we understand that a great deal of work must be done to make a bright future. We are here to help.
Cohort 17 Enhancements
Through a blend of sector-leading AI tools, enhanced support, and a focus on the latest industry trends, Cohort 17 offers the most powerful platform for managers to get a fund off the ground.
Tracks: Space, Later Stage, & Family Offices
Cohort 17 will introduce dedicated tracks for some exciting areas of investment that align with the latest trends shaping the future of venture capital:
Space: We are adding a track for funds focused on aerospace and related technology, as humanity will be interplanetary within the next decade, creating enormous investment opportunities.
Later-Stage: We have been dominant in the early stage, and we are now launching greater support for Series A, Series B, and later stage funds that need to be institutional-grade from Day 1.
Family Offices: We are introducing support for family offices and institutions looking to launch funds and fund of funds as part of a diversified investment strategy and portfolio.
Emerging Manager v2: We are upgrading our emerging manager track to create the leading way to launch an institutional grade emerging fund with learnings from earlier funds.
AI: We will launch a track for funds focused on AI in enabling technologies, vertical applications, data, ethics and …
Technology: AI-powered VC
Cohort 17 introduces a suite of innovative AI tools,equipping emerging managers with the ability to simplify and enhance key aspects of launching and growing a venture fund:
Decile Base: Decile Base serves as your AI-powered VC Co-Pilot, built on internal databases and community insights. It answers complex questions on firm-building [currently available to be used by all!]
AI-powered Research Plugin: A browser plugin to help research limited partners and deals, summarizing content from any web page to build limited partner and portfolio prospect profiles.
AI Thesis Builder: The Thesis Builder helps craft a compelling investment thesis that converts LPs by guiding you through targeted questions.
LP Archetype Advisor: This AI tool generates customized LP profiles based on your fund thesis and suggests specific search terms to help you find and target these LPs on platforms like LinkedIn.
Connector Assistant: By analyzing your network, the Connector Assistant identifies key contacts most likely to connect you to potential LPs, streamlining your fundraising efforts.
AI-Assisted Emails: Email feature generating personalized communication for LPs, aligning messages with their background and stage in your pipeline, making outreach hyper-personalized.
PACT Advisor: PACT Advisor helps emerging managers secure LP commitments by providing tailored coaching on overcoming common fundraising obstacles.
Event Planner: Designed to optimize your fundraising events, the Event Planner AI tool assists with creating high-impact events that maximize LP engagement and hard commitment conversion.
Fund Advisor: The newest AI tool in our suite, Fund Advisor, provides step-by-step guidance through the fund-building process, offering advice to keep your fund on track and moving toward successful closure.
Program: Interviews, Demo Day, & Materials
Cohort 17 introduces several enhancements to ensure managers receive the support they need at every stage of their fundraising journey:
Interviews: We have introduced admissions interviews for top finalists, which gives more managers an opportunity to be accepted into the leading VC accelerator program.
Demo Days: We will host exclusive Demo Days by region and industry for select program participants to pitch limited partners at the end of Cohort 17.
Enhanced Materials: We are introducing a variety of articles, podcasts, and videos to support the curriculum as part of Cohort 17, like recent release of Venture Visionaries here.
In-Person Events: We will be releasing a global series of GP and LP mixers worldwide on our new venture events platform, helping to connect regional limited partners with general partners in major cities.
Premium Programs: We have introduced two premium programs, VC Lab Plus and VC Lab Platinum, to help managers launch funds with enhanced mentoring and concierge support.
Apply to VC Lab Cohort 17 and close your dream fund in early 2025. VC Lab has launched over 50% of new venture capital firms in the last two years with a powerful combination of training, tools, and capital.
Whether you are launching your first fund or scaling an established firm, Cohort 17 will provide you with unparalleled tools, insights, and networking opportunities to succeed in today’s venture capital landscape.
Submit an Application: It is always best to submit an application as early as possible for the best chances of enrollment.
Schedule the Admissions Interview: Pick a time for a 15 minute call with our admissions team to get to know you.
Get Accepted: Receive one of the coveted positions in the program from the Application and Interview feedback.
Share the Mensarius Oath: Share your public support for ethical investing and making the world a better place.
Choose Your Package: Choose the free program or one of the premium options with hans on fund-building help.
Here are some tips. VC Lab is poised to receive a record amount of applications for Cohort 17. 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.
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