$75,000 Upfront Founder Fellows Investment

Upfront Ventures, a Los Angeles venture capital firm, runs Founder Fellows, an eight week fellowship for technical students, recent graduates and dropouts in the US and Canada who want to start a company. This is its second cohort, and 8 to 10 Fellows are chosen. Fellows who go on to incorporate a startup Upfront judges venture-backable receive an investment of $75,000 or more, which is equity backing rather than a grant.

What you get:

• An investment of $75,000 or more from Upfront if you incorporate a venture-backable startup (investment terms are not published)
• A place at the 2027 Upfront Summit in Los Angeles, in the last week of February 2027, with 1,000+ founders, investors and operators
• 1:1 pairing with an Upfront investor who specialises in your area of interest
• Private fireside chats with Upfront Partners and founders from its fastest-growing portfolio companies
• Invitations to year-round mixers, dinners and Upfront gatherings in LA, NYC, SF, Boston, Philly and more

What you'll do:

• Take part in an eight week fellowship running from the end of October to early December 2026
• Attend weekly one hour fireside chats, which all Fellows are expected to join

Key dates:

• Current university students, recent graduates and dropouts in the US and Canada
• Focused on Engineering, Computer Science, Maths or an alternative technical track
• No registered company needed: you can apply as an individual pursuing a complex problem you are passionate about