Post on 19-Mar-2023
Very difficult to take a risk• Compared to banks, consulting, big
companies, etc
Skeptical About Entrepreneurship?
No community / peer group
Unclear prospects for training, advancement or success
No network / idea / money / tech proficiency
Hard to find suitable venture / no structured path • Compared to law/business schools,
structured graduate programs
The “Gap” Entrepreneurship is not a professional
aspiration in India
Most students get recruited by financial services / consulting / marketing firms
High gestation period for a start ups
No immediate reward for all the risk taken
Lack of infrastructure
Lack of funding
VFI - Bridging The GapWHO WE ARE: Venture For India is an entrepreneurial development program
In collaboration with Columbia Business School
WHAT WE DO: Train graduates to become action oriented, enterprising and innovative
Provide structure and a network for future entrepreneurs
Inculcate a passion for Entrepreneurship amongst the youth
VFI Fellowship ProgramProgram Goals
Provide each Venture Fellow job-related skills to enable them to be productive at early - mid stage companies
Train each Venture Fellow in the ethos of entrepreneurship and job creation
Engender relationships and collective identity among the Venture Fellows
VFI will recruit college grads till March 2013
3 week program held at CBS in May 2013
Placement at companies for 2 years
Fellows’ starting salary at Rs 60k/month
Periodic workshops during the 2 years for venture fellows from VFI
Year
1
2
3
4
5
…
Apply to FellowshipVenture for India
Training course at Columbia
Business School2yr program at
astart-up as a
FellowCapstone
Business Competition
Continue full-time at start-up
Start-up Pro!
VFI Fellowship ProgramOverview
VFI Fellowship Program3 week program at Columbia Business School
Financial Analysis & Modeling Project Management Sales Industrial visits Social Media Management (e.g. Facebook,
Blogs, etc.) Search Engine Optimization/Marketing Meeting American Entrepreneurs & VC’s
VFI Fellowship ProgramCompany placements
Guaranteed 2 year placement
Mentorship under top management
Workshops with business leaders, industry experts and veterans
VFI Fellowship ProgramCompany profiles
High potential companies in high growth industries
Early-mid stage companies with >25 employees and is operationally profitable for the past 3 years
Companies having a presence in India
Company management will have strong track record and demonstrated leadership with the motivation to create opportunities for others
VFI Fellowship ProgramCapstone Program and Seed Capital
VFI fellows will attend a capstone program
All the students will be assessed on various criteria by a panel of judges
Meet your peers and reflect on the experience
VFI Fellowship ProgramStudent Prerequisites
Bachelors Degree
Distinction (75% Or Above) or an equivalent grade
Transcripts
2 Recommendation letters (Teacher, Supervisor during internship/job)
VFI Fellowship ProgramSelection Process
Fellows are selected through an application process that includes submission of transcripts, peer and faculty recommendations, essays and a specialized diagnostic test
Outstanding candidates undergo several rounds of interviews, culminating in an in-person Selection Day held in Mumbai and attended by VFI Board members
VFI will recruit the best and brightest graduates from diverse fields to attend the program at Columbia University
Recruiting, Interviewing, Onboarding of 15 Fellows for 2013Confirm Partner Companies and Placements for 2013
Nov-12Dec-12Jan-13Feb-13Mar-13Apr-13May-13Jun-13Jul-13Aug-13Sep-13Oct-13Nov-13Dec-13Jan-14Feb-14
1st Class of Fellows arrives at Columbia University
1st Class of Fellows begin placements in various companies based in India
Recruiting, Interviewing, Onboarding of 20 Fellows for 2014Confirm Partner Companies and Placements for 2014
VFI Fellowship ProgramTimeline
Why Choose VFI? Prestige. Looks good on your profile. Marks you as Smart.
Clearly Marked Path. Easy to Find or Apply To.
Progress. Seeking ‘the next level.’ Gain stature.
Opens Doors. Keeps options open. Sky’s the limit.
Gain Skills. Training for the next thing.
Community. Make sure you don’t ‘fall behind’ peers. Work with other smart people.