VC Unlocked (Silicon Valley) by 500 Global

VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley is an exclusive, invite-only, two-week educational experience created in collaboration with the Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education and 500 Global. It is designed for emerging VC leaders, venture capitalists, and angel investors who want practical investing frameworks and decision practice beyond theory. Participants work directly with Stanford University faculty and 500 Global partners in highly interactive, project-based sessions. The program includes 1:1 feedback to define an investment thesis and practice-driven learning through exposure to startups in 500’s portfolio.

Key Benefits

• Project-based learning with real-world investing practice
• 1:1 feedback from Stanford University faculty to define an investment thesis
• Lectures and practical investing frameworks from Stanford faculty and 500 Global
• Network-building with a global community of fellow investors and program alumni
• Evaluation playbook experience by meeting startups in 500’s portfolio and hearing their pitches

Eligibility

• Invite-only program
• Nomination by a peer or colleague is required
• Self-nominations are not accepted

Program Structure

• Two-week immersive program with interactive sessions
• Project-based teaching methodology emphasizing real-world experience
• Investment thesis development with 1:1 faculty feedback
• Evaluation playbook practice through startup pitch exposure
• Admissions process: nomination, committee review, application, interview, acceptance and enrollment

Dates & Duration

• Program duration: 2 weeks (August 24 - September 4, 2026)
• Program start date: 2026-08-24

Tuition is $25,000. The early application deadline is 2026-03-20.