The True Ventures Fellowship Program is an opportunity for students to experience and learn about entrepreneurship and venture capital. We are not an accelerator or an incubator. Rather, our hope is to provide students with the opportunity to learn new skills, gain experience, and develop their future networks.
Moving forward, our program will focus on students from historically marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds within the technology and venture capital industry, including women, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities. Our hope is that the fellowship’s renewed focus and commitment to representation helps to build a more diverse future for students and our industry at large.
Who should apply to the True Ventures Fellowship Program?
The fellowship is designed for rising college juniors and seniors who are currently enrolled in undergraduate institutions or pursuing professional journeys of some kind. Applicants should also have a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.
We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and celebrate diversity of all kinds. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture built on a foundation of respect for all individuals. Individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized, or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
When and where does the True Ventures Fellowship Program take place?
The 10-12-week fellowship takes place over the summer from early June to mid-August. All fellows are paired with participating True portfolio companies.
Historically, this program has taken place in the San Francisco Bay Area, but due to the impact of COVID-19, the 2020 summer fellowship was held virtually. For summer 2021, we will be planning a fully distributed, virtual experience and will provide updates as new health information becomes available.
Is the fellowship paid?
Absolutely. Fellows receive a salary at a competitive market rate. We do not provide travel or housing stipends.
Am I eligible for the True Ventures Fellowship Program?
At the time of application, you must be either an enrolled college junior or senior, or a young professional who has not chosen a traditional path toward higher education. You must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
How many True Fellows do you accept each year?
We generally hire 12-15 fellows for each summer program.
We want to create an environment that gives you close and intimate access to speakers, the True Founder community, the True team, and to one another. The size of the class is, in fact, one of the program’s strongest assets, as it will allow you to build meaningful connections and create the foundation for lifelong relationships.
What is required to apply?
To apply, submit your completed application no later than November 6th, 2020. You will receive a confirmation that your application was received within five business days of receipt of all materials: completed application form, resume, personal statement, and one-minute video.
What goes in my personal statement?
In your personal statement, please tell us why you are interested in being a True Fellow. We want to know more about your background, your journey, and the skills you are hoping to develop through the summer. We also want to know about your current skills and strengths. Tell us why you would be an amazing addition to a True portfolio company and to the fellowship program.
How might this experience support your career aspirations after graduation? Provide hyperlinks to online examples of your work, such as apps you’ve created, blog posts you’ve written, projects you’ve contributed to, or anything else that makes you proud.
What else do I need to complete my application?
Be prepared to submit the following when applying for the True Ventures Fellowship Program using this form.
- Resume
- Personal Statement describing your interest in the program
- A one-minute video about yourself that includes: (1) what you are most proud of creating or achieving, (2) what you view as the most challenging aspect of your past 12 months and why, and (3) an explanation of something you’ve done differently since the onset of COVID-19 and why you might continue it in a post-COVID world
