Take the next step by applying to Venture Founder!
We are dedicated to creating exceptional experiences and outcomes for UBC entrepreneurs. The first step is submitting your request to apply to Venture Founder! Below, you can learn more about each step and what you can expect during the application process.
Application expectations and process
- Fill out the full application form: The application form involves in depth questions ranging from your team composition and initial traction, to understanding your value proposition, technology, and funding situation. After you submit your application in full, it will go to our evaluation team who review all applicants.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with our team where we will ask you more about your solution and interest in being part of the program. Following this, candidates will be notified on whether they will be invited to join the cohort.
- Onboarding, orientations and socials: The Venture Founder Journey begins with rigorous onboarding including orientation and social events to meet the wider cohort, entrepreneurship@UBC team and mentors, along with a review of the curriculum syllabus and expected commitment. All this is designed to help ensure an exceptional experience for you and your team.
- Session cadence: The Venture Founder experience consists of 16 sessions, taking place weekly for 16 weeks (unless noted otherwise) of online, 3.5 hour sessions, with sessions 5, 10, 15 and 16 taking place in person.
Important dates for Venture Founder cohort #48
April 24, 2024 - Application opens
May 24, 2024 - Application Deadline
May 20 - June 7 - Interviews
September 4, 2024 - Cohort Orientation (In Person)
September 5, 2024 - Welcome Social (In Person)
September 12, 2024 - Programming Starts
October 17, 2024 - Session #5 Progress Presentation (In Person)
November 21, 2024 - Session #10 Progress Presentation (In Person)
January 23, 2025 - Cohort Day (In Person)
All Venture Founder Sessions take place on Thursdays
What you can expect after you are accepted to Venture Founder:
- 16 sessions, one per week, this is a 3 month commitment.
- Each week you can expect to spend up to 10 hours per week, for 16 weeks (unless otherwise noted), broken down into the following time commitments and activities:
- Attend weekly sessions = 3.5 hours
- Prep and homework for each session = ranges from 3 to 5 hours
- Meeting with your team or mentors = ranges from 1 to 2 hours
- Sessions start from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Conducting Discovery Interviews = 3-5 hours
Please note, Venture Founder is not an academic, for-credit course: we expect participants to be committed to pursuing the creation of a start-up. Session preparation, session attendance, and in-session participation are mandatory and key to your success, and to maintaining your membership in Venture Founder. Company building is a huge commitment and Venture Founder resources are an invaluable contribution to your journey. Program participants are evaluated for fit and commitment on a regular basis.
