Why is this Fellowship important?
As the UK positions itself to secure renewed economic growth, we urgently need to invest in deep technology to support these ambitions and address some the biggest challenges of our time. VC investment is essential to that growth. While VC investment has grown significantly in the last decade, it has largely missed out the deep tech and science sectors that the UK has a significant global competitive advantage in.
With government dedication to support UK growth by facilitating the deployment of greater risk capital in the coming years, it is critical to simultaneously develop a cohort of investors with the knowledge and networks needed to raise and deploy VC into science and technology ventures.
The Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellowship is a provides knowledge and leadership development, paired with experiential learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities to support the development of a strong talent pipeline in science and technology VC investment in the UK.
Funded by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the unique partnership between Imperial College London and the Royal Academy of Engineering combines the experience of delivering specialised educational and Fellowship programming with an unparalleled network of science, technology and engineering experts across the UK.
What does this programme offer?
- Tailored teaching: our programme is meticulously designed to cater to mid-career VCs and entrepreneurs transitioning to VC, providing tailored, best in class content and teaching in the deep tech and life sciences sectors.
- Experiential learning with real world impact: practical learning will be included through project and case study work, mentorship and coaching which will enable fellows to apply their knowledge directly to real investment opportunities and sharpen their skills in identifying high-potential ventures.
- Customised networking for lasting connections: opportunity to join a carefully curated network of professionals and experts across the UK and beyond, fostering connections within the science and technology investment communities, ensuring worthwhile commitment of time and effort.
- Exclusive access to leading industry insights: delivered by academics and practitioners, providing a deep understanding of the science and technology venture landscape and investment opportunities.
Who is the programme for?
Mid-level VC investors and related investment professionals, as well as recently exited entrepreneurs transitioning into VC, who are interested in enhancing their ability to manage Venture Capital funds specialised in supporting science and engineering-based portfolio companies. To be eligible for the programme you must:
- Be based in the UK.
- Work in a UK based VC firm (or a VC firm investing in the UK), pension fund, institutional investor, or be an exited founder with the experience of raising equity funding at Series B+.
- Have the ambition to become a significant investor in the science, technology and engineering startups/scale ups and be able to commit the required time to the Fellowship programme.
- Have a minimum of 3 years of engagement in the UK VC ecosystem.
- Have the support from your firm/prospective employer to join the programme.
Successful applicants will be asked to contribute £10,000 towards the cost of the Fellowship, which we expect in most cases will be covered by the applicant’s employer.
We are keen to enable participation from all successful applicants and are offering a select number of scholarships to facilitate this. Scholarships will be allocated based on the strength of candidates’ applications while also factoring in the desire to increase diversity within the Venture Capital investment community
Scholarships can provide a 50% reduction off the £10,000 fee.
You should indicate in the application if you or your firm are unable to cover the fee and you meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for a scholarship.
The programme is designed to run in conjunction with current employment: core instruction, experiential learning and networking sessions will be delivered across seven sessions (every 6-8 weeks). Employers will be asked to approve participants’ time spent on the fellowship.
We welcome applications from underrepresented groups in the VC industry and from applicants outside London. If you have any questions about the eligibility for the programme, please contact us on [email protected]
Your journey
With the Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellowship, you have a year to invest time and energy into your long-term career and help shape the future of the deep tech and life sciences investment landscape in the UK.
The bespoke programme, will be jointly delivered by Imperial College London and the Royal Academy of Engineering. Fellows will become part of an alumni community that will facilitate peer-to-peer learning and engagement beyond the Fellowship.
As part of the programme you will receive:
Programme dates and content
The Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellowship programme is delivered by Imperial College London and the Royal Academy of Engineering and supported by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.
