Kickstart Your Venture Capital Journey with the 8th Cohort of the Venture Cooperative

The Venture Cooperative program, the most accessible onramp to venture capital, is gearing up to launch its 8th cohort. Applications are now open and will close on February 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, with the program running from early March to mid-April. If you’re curious about venture capital or looking for a way to deepen your understanding, this program offers unparalleled opportunities to dive into the VC ecosystem.

What Makes the Venture Cooperative Unique?

Since its inception three years ago, the Venture Cooperative has provided over 1,200 fellows globally with insider perspectives on:

• The shifting dynamics of the venture capital industry
• The nuts and bolts of early-stage startup investing
• Key challenges in managing VC funds
• Emerging trends and innovative funding models for startups

Fellows have had the chance to shadow live deals, participate in investment meetings, and work directly with Laconia’s team on impactful projects. Many have gone on to launch their own funds, venture studios, startup communities, and angel syndicates, embodying the program’s mission to create new resources for early-stage founders.

(One of our recent in-person meet ups)

Unprecedented Transparency & Insight

Whether you’re just starting to explore venture capital or looking for a more structured way to build your expertise, the Venture Cooperative’s program is designed to meet you where you are. Below is an overview of the core topics covered, with Laconia-specific details and resources shared with all program participants:

(A look into the Venture Cooperative Curriculum)

Who Should Apply?

The Venture Cooperative program is ideal for a wide range of participants, including:

• Individual investors seeking to back startups or make Limited Partner (LP) investments into VC funds
• Aspiring fund managers exploring the creation of their own funds
• Founders interested in understanding VC strategies and investor decision-making processes
• Startup employees hoping to gain insights into boardroom dynamics
• Career switchers or anyone with a curiosity about venture capital

While the program welcomes participants of all backgrounds, those unfamiliar with terms like “Limited Partnership Agreement” or “pro-forma cap table” should be prepared for a steep but rewarding learning curve. Public sessions and onboarding materials will help bring new participants up to speed.

Please note that given the confidential nature of the materials shared, the program is not a great fit for individuals who are already working full-time as VC investors at existing funds.

What You’ll Gain as a Fellow

Participants in the Venture Cooperative program receive:

• A deep dive into Laconia’s strategy, operations, and investment approach
• Access to the Laconia team through small-group office hours and one-on-one sessions
• Insightful discussions with expert guest speakers, such as Beezer Clarkson, Jonathan Drillings, and Sydney Thomas
• Opportunities to shadow live investment deals and participate in due diligence
• Membership in a global community of over 1,200 fellows
• Invitations to exclusive virtual and in-person events
• Financial accessibility, including waived investment minimums for future funds and potential carry in Laconia’s fund if fellows source successful deals
• Lifelong access to all cohort materials, events, and members

(What our Venture Fellows have to say about their experience with the Venture Cooperative)

How to Apply

Applications for the 8th cohort are open now and close on February 9, 2025. Late submissions will be automatically considered for future cohorts.

Learn more and apply by visiting the Venture Cooperative website. Be sure to stay informed about program updates by signing up for the newsletter and following Laconia on LinkedIn and Twitter.