True Ventures Fellowship
2026
Launch your career in the new era of work.
The True Ventures Fellowship embeds ambitious college seniors into high-growth startups, where you’ll gain hands-on experience and AI-native skills that define today’s most innovative companies. By gaining work experience at an early-stage, venture-backed startup, you’ll graduate equipped to step into roles where you’re essential from day one:
- Develop AI-native skills in real-world projects.
- Get an inside look at how seed-stage venture capital works.
- Meet your peers IRL during a kickoff week in San Francisco.
- Join a lifelong network of over 250 fellowship alumni.
About the Fellowship
While other programs teach you about startups, the True Ventures Fellowship puts you in them.
Since 2009, we've placed talented undergrads directly into our portfolio companies. We're not an accelerator or an incubator—we provide substantive, resume-defining work at early-stage startups deploying transformative technologies. You'll gain real experience in entrepreneurship and venture capital while building expertise in AI implementation, developing the hands-on skills that open doors to competitive post-grad roles. You'll build the foundation for your future network within the most innovative companies shaping the future.
Who should apply to the True Ventures Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to rising college seniors currently enrolled in undergraduate institutions. Applicants should have a passion for innovation, AI, and entrepreneurship, yearning to work with early-stage startups and to leverage AI tools to streamline their workflows.
When and where does the True Ventures Fellowship take place?
The fellowship takes place over the summer, from early June to mid-August. You’ll be matched with a participating True Portfolio company (typically five to 50 people). The fellowship is a hybrid-work format: part of the fellowship is in person and part is virtual.
Is the fellowship paid?
Absolutely. Fellows not only receive unparalleled startup and strong AI implementation experience but also $12,000 in compensation for the duration of the program. In addition, a housing stipend will be given to those required to be in person full-time with their companies. This is a full-time position and fellows are not allowed to hold another job during this period.
Am I eligible for the True Ventures Fellowship?
At the time of application, you must be a currently enrolled rising college senior with at least one semester that you plan to complete after the Fellowship. You must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
How many True Fellows do you accept each year?
We have historically placed anywhere from 10 to 23 of the brightest students in our summer program.