Dream VC, the venture capital education institute in Africa, has announced the opening of applications for its 2025 venture capital training programs. With a track record of training top-tier investors and investment firms across emerging markets, Dream VC is making a bold return with expanded resources, cutting-edge curriculum updates, and industry-first tools for the ecosystem.
This year, Dream VC unveils two new editions of their flagship programs—Investor Accelerator (IA) and Launch Into Venture Capital (LIVC)—alongside pioneering new resources for the African investment ecosystem, including:
- The Founders Personality Test (a.k.a. KMBC Ultimate Wildcard Test): A revolutionary tool (already live) designed to help investors and ecosystem builders understand different founder archetypes and their suitability for venture-scale businesses.
- The First-Ever Comprehensive African Investment Salary Report: A comprehensive study (coming soon) covering salary benchmarks across venture capital, private equity, and impact investment firms, representing over 10% of employees in the industry.
A Legacy of Impact in the Investment Ecosystem
As shown during Dream VC’s 2025 Annual Strategy Meeting, and shared by the Dream VC Team, the institute has solidified its position as a premier training ground for emerging investors, across markets, with remarkable milestones:
- 70+ venture capital and private equity firms now employ Dream VC fellows
- 250+ individuals have completed Dream VC’s intensive annual programs
- Dream VC fellows work at or manage investment firms with a collective $7B+ in AUM
- 50+ nationalities represented among Dream VC alumni
- Dream VC’s ecosystem events have mobilised over 2,000 individual investors and venture capitalists
- 5,000+ applications received since 2021
- Dream VC’s internal team has expanded to 7 core members, all alumni from past cohorts
What’s New in the 2025 Programs?
Dream VC’s Investor Accelerator (IA) and Launch Into Venture Capital (LIVC) programs remain high-intensity, immersive, and virtual-first. However, this year, the programs will introduce:
Program Enhancements & Curriculum Upgrades
- IA Program Now 22 Weeks (Up from 20): Expanded curriculum with additional hands-on training, deeper case study applications, and more real-world VC scenarios.
- Expanded Module on Financial Modeling (LIVC): Deep dives into modeling best practices for early-stage and growth investments.
- Expanded Module on Board Governance & Non-Executive Directorship (IA): Training aspiring VCs to take active board roles in startups.
- World-Class Tech Tool Access: Integrating industry-leading investment and AI due diligence tools into the curriculum.
Application & Selection Process Improvements
- Streamlined Application Process: Moving from four stages to three increases selectivity while improving efficiency.
Post-Program Career Support & Industry Access
- Structured Off-Ramp to Venture Roles (LIVC): Top-performing fellows will gain access to exclusive VC Residency work sprints, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world fund environments.
- Exclusive Access to Angel, VC & CVC Resource Lists: To support job searches and co-investment opportunities.
- Interview & Application Simulations (LIVC): Enhancing participant preparation for real-world venture capital roles.
- Continuous Upgrades to Alumni Support: More resources for job hunting and ongoing upskilling, via mentorship, bootcamps, and refresher courses.
What Stays the Same?
Despite the numerous upgrades, Dream VC continues to offer its hallmark features, including:
- Live training by Dream VC’s core team of experienced VCs and venture builders
- Highly interactive sessions, group activities, and investment-focused projects (particularly in LIVC)
- Annual Retreat and Immersion Week: A cornerstone experience where alumni gather in an emerging African innovation hub. (Previous locations: Zanzibar, Marrakech, Hammamet/Tunis)
- World-Class Speaker Roster: Featuring top-tier investors and ecosystem leaders
Mark Kleyner, Co-CEO at Dream VC: “The African investment landscape is evolving rapidly, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. Our 2025 programs are not just about education—they are about building the next generation of investors who will shape the future of venture capital across the continent and beyond. With VC activity on the rise and an increasing number of African startups making headlines for their growth and exits, there has never been a better time to dive into venture capital.
“We’ve seen a record number of alumni successfully launch funds, join top-tier firms, and drive impact across markets. This year’s applicants will be stepping into an ecosystem that is more interconnected and opportunity-rich than ever.”
Applications Open February 24, 2025
Applications for Dream VC’s 2025 programs open on February 24, 2025 and close on March 31, 2025. Interested candidates can find more information about the programs and available scholarships and apply via Dream VC’s official website.
