Cohort 19 – Faster than Ever

Launch venture capital funds faster than ever with VC Lab Cohort 19. In an era where AI is accelerating everything, our enhanced AI-powered platform and revolutionary Start Fund enable managers to move from concept to first investment in record time.

Faster Than Ever

We are excited to announce VC Lab Cohort 19, the accelerated program designed to launch venture capital funds faster than ever before in the history of the asset class. We are in an unprecedented period of technological acceleration where AI is fundamentally transforming how companies are built, funded, and scaled.

The second half of 2025 presents the greatest opportunity in venture capital history for emerging managers who can move with speed and precision.

VC Lab Cohort 19 is the premier accelerator for launching venture capital funds in the age of AI-accelerated entrepreneurship. With revolutionary enhancements to our technology platform, streamlined fund formation processes, and AI-powered operational tools, we’re empowering fund managers to capitalize on the fastest-moving startup ecosystem in history.

Despite widespread narratives suggesting “emerging managers are struggling,” the data tells a different story. Our analysis reveals that specialized emerging managers are actually thriving in this new paradigm, capturing exceptional dealflow as established firms struggle to adapt to the pace of AI-driven innovation.

First, we used artificial intelligence to fundamentally democratized venture capital by giving every emerging manager access to a full team of AI-powered associates at zero cost through Decile Hub, the operating system for VCs. The platform now automates deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, and LP communications through the use of AI. What once required hiring expensive talent or outsourcing to consultants now happens instantly.

Next, our revolutionary Start Fund technology enables managers to launch fully operational funds in a single day, not weeks or months. The old ways of spending 6-18 months on fund formation are dead. Managers can now begin investing immediately while our AI systems handle legal documentation, compliance, and operational infrastructure in parallel.

Finally, we have completely rebuilt our curriculum and approach to further help emerging managers move at light speed. The traditional 14-week program structure has been optimized for the AI age, with adaptive learning paths that compress months of content into focused, actionable modules. Our AI-powered mentorship system provides 24/7 guidance, while automated deal flow and LP matching ensure managers never miss time-sensitive opportunities. The old ways of slow, manual venture capital operations are obsolete.

This unique convergence creates an extraordinary opportunity for emerging managers to launch funds that not only outperform traditional firms but redefine what’s possible in venture capital. We’re calling Cohort 19 “Faster Than Ever” because the funds launched during this period will grow at the speed of artificial intelligence, capturing opportunities that slower-moving incumbents will miss entirely.

We are here to help you move
Faster Than Ever

Cohort 19 Enhancements

Through revolutionary AI-powered tools, instant fund formation capabilities, and automated operational systems, Cohort 19 offers the most advanced platform for managers to launch funds that operate at the speed of modern innovation.

Cohort 19 introduces groundbreaking enhancements to our core platform, empowering fund managers with unprecedented speed and capabilities:

• Emerging Institute: Our 100 NPS program is designed exclusively for managers working on Fund II and Fund III to achieve institutional-grade operations. We provide direct pathways to secure backing from top-tier institutional Limited Partners.
• Start Fund: Revolutionary new VC fund formation technology that enables managers to launch fully operational funds in a single day with zero upfront costs. Begin investing immediately while building comprehensive infrastructure in parallel.
• VC Lab Raise: Exclusive concierge experience reserved for the top 10% of the cohort’s managers, providing dedicated support channels and personalized fundraising assistance. Our team works one-on-one with a capped number of managers to accelerate their path to close.
• AI Toolkits: Comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools including Thesis Generator, Social Media Content Creator, Deal Analysis, and LP Research systems. These intelligent assistants handle tasks that traditionally required expensive associates and consultants.
• AI Pitch Practice: Advanced simulation technology that allows managers to practice pitching multiple LP archetypes, including family offices, endowments, and institutional investors. Perfect your presentation through practice before entering real fundraising conversations.
• Decile Research: Proprietary dealflow intelligence and comprehensive database of large institutional Limited Partners worldwide. Access real-time market data and direct pathways to institutional capital.
• Click to Close: Revolutionary one-click system that handles the entire LP commitment process from initial interest to final close, including automated document generation and compliance verification.
• Access to Decile Hub: Participants gain access to the latest AI-powered features in Decile Hub, including automated portfolio management, intelligent reporting, and predictive analytics for fund performance optimization.

Focus Fund Tracks

Cohort 19 introduces specialized tracks for fund types that will define the next era of venture capital:

• Venture Studios: This track guides venture studio teams in establishing a fund that invests in the startups emerging from their company creation engine. The track will help managers understand the strategic and operational intricacies of setting up a venture studio fund, as well as how to pitch these funds to LPs.
• Accelerator Funds: This track guides accelerator program leaders in establishing funds that invest in startups graduating from their cohorts. The track will help managers understand the strategic and operational intricacies of setting up an accelerator fund, as well as how to pitch these funds to LPs.
• Agentic Funds: This cutting-edge track focuses on funds investing in autonomous AI systems and agent-based technologies. These investments target the infrastructure and applications that will enable AI agents to perform complex tasks across industries.
• Future of Work Funds: This track backs funds investing in technologies that redefine human-AI collaboration and workplace transformation. These investments focus on tools and platforms that augment human capabilities rather than replace them.
• Deep Tech: This track supports funds focused on breakthrough scientific innovations emerging from rigorous R&D. These investments span quantum computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, and other frontier technologies with transformative potential.
• Energy & Climate: Our expanded climate track specializes in funds focused on energy transition technologies and climate adaptation solutions. These investments target breakthrough innovations in renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture, and sustainable infrastructure.
• BioTech: This track supports funds investing in biotechnology innovations that address health, longevity, and human enhancement. These investments span everything from personalized medicine to synthetic biology and regenerative therapeutics.
• University Funds: This specialized track supports funds that systematically commercialize breakthrough research from leading universities. These funds bridge the gap between academic innovation and market applications, focusing on technology transfer and spin-out opportunities.
• AI Builders: This track supports funds investing in foundational AI infrastructure and development tools. These investments focus on the technical ecosystem enabling the next generation of AI applications across all industries.

Join Cohort 19 and launch a fund that operates Faster Than Ever. VC Lab has helped launch over 60% of new venture firms in recent years through our powerful combination of training, tools, capital, and cutting-edge technology.

Whether you’re launching your first fund focused on AI-accelerated startups or scaling an established firm to embrace the speed of modern innovation, Cohort 19 will provide you with the resources, insights, and connections to succeed in the fastest-moving venture capital environment in history.

Early Deadline
August 4th, 2025

Final Deadline
September 8th, 2026

Program Start
September 26th, 2025

How to Apply

Our streamlined application process is designed to identify managers who can operate at the speed of AI-driven innovation:

• Submit an Application: Early applications receive priority consideration and access to our most advanced AI tools.
• Share Your Speed Strategy: In addition to the standard application, we ask you to articulate how you plan to operate faster than traditional venture capital firms.
• Schedule the Admissions Interview: Connect with our admissions team for a focused 15-minute conversation about your background and velocity plans.
• Get Accepted: Secure one of the limited positions in this groundbreaking cohort.
• Embrace the Mensarius Oath: Publicly commit to ethical investing and integrity while operating at unprecedented speed.

We are seeking managers who combine exceptional business acumen with the ability to identify and support the fastest-moving startups in history. We are here to help you build venture capital funds that operate Faster Than Ever.

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