The Kauffman Fellows Program was designed to radically accelerate venture capital success for professionals who are rising in their VC careers and becoming vital cogs in their community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Now, for VC pros in Western New York, there’s good news: For the second straight year, Springboard is providing a fully funded scholarship for any local applicant admitted into the highly touted two-year program, thanks to the generous support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation!
About the program
Kauffman Fellows learn directly from renowned leaders in the venture capital world, gaining insights and strategies to become a successful practitioner and changemaker in the industry. The program fosters lifelong relationships with a global network of peers, providing a powerful support system of like-minded individuals who are committed to advancing the venture ecosystem. The selection process is highly competitive; and over the past 30 years, program leaders have been curating an experience that enables peers and experts to openly share their successful (and failed) approaches, engage in high-trust conversations about firm and career, and offer candid feedback and meaningful support.
The program enables Fellows to grow through three core pillars:
- Becoming a better leader – Deepening their self-awareness, strengthening core management skills, and defining their legacy.
- Becoming a better investor – Gaining exposure to diverse perspectives on “how to” better source, win, support, and exit investments.
- Building a great firm – Bringing coherence to their thesis, strategy, portfolio construction, platform, partnerships, and LP relationships.
Along with scholarship support, the chosen WNY recipient will be further supported in their journey by the program’s global network of more than 1,000 Fellows who have collectively experienced (and learned from) every situation in the VC world.
How to apply
We encourage all interested applicants to review the Kauffman Fellows Program overview and application details, which provide key information on program commitments, deadlines, and other FAQs.
Once ready, access the application and apply here.
Early application deadline
December 12, 2025 (11:59 PM PT). The application fee is $100 USD.
Final application deadline
January 9, 2026 (11:59 PM PT). After December 12, the application fee increases to $300 USD.
Eligible WNY Applicant Counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming.