VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley

Diversity Scholarship Admissions

500, in collaboration with the Stanford Center for Professional Development, will be offering four full scholarships ($25,000) for underrepresented early-stage investors, especially women and/or people of color.

Scholarship Admissions Process

Are you committed to supporting diverse founders? Have you organized meetups for the startup community in different ecosystems? Started a VC newsletter or podcast that promotes diversity & inclusion? If so, apply today and tell us about it!

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:

Identify as female or POC
Have a proven track record of supporting underrepresented founders
Have, or be developing, a purpose driven fund thesis

Scholarship applicants should follow the same admissions process as all other candidates. In order to apply to VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley, participants need to be nominated by a peer or colleague.

Selected candidates will receive an email with a link to apply to the program. Those who wish to be considered for a scholarship should also answer the supplemental scholarship questions. It is recommended that scholarship applicants submit their responses as early as possible.

Submit a Nomination

Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31, 2023

Diversity Scholarship Guidelines

We encourage you to apply early to improve your chances. The scholarship application deadline is March 31, 2023. We will invite qualified applicants for an interview and will notify selected scholarship recipients by April 21st.

Scholarship winners will be chosen by our Scholarship Committee comprised of VC Unlocked Alumni, 500 Global, and SCPD members from diverse backgrounds. This committee will be responsible for selecting the VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley scholarship finalists for our 2023 program.

In addition to the Application Guidelines, here are a few more tips for those of you applying for one of our four Diversity Scholarships.

Be Specific.

Does your application accurately reflect the impact you’ve made in your community? If you have the data to paint a clear picture of your impact and reach, this is your time to shine! (Ex: “Through my work as the host of the XYZ podcast, I’ve interviewed 200+ diverse founders, etc.”)
Share your story.

Every application is thoroughly read so don’t be shy about sharing what makes you a unique candidate. We know there are many paths to VC and we’re excited to learn about you.
Video:

Keep it concise and make sure the image/audio quality is clear.
Final scholarship checklist:
- Do you identify as a woman and/or person of color?
- Do you support underestimated founders through your work?
- Have you been involved in VC for at least one year and/or have a background as an operator with at least 5 years of experience?
- Do your future plans continue to focus on working with underestimated founders?

VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley

Diversity Scholarship Admissions

Scholarship Admissions Process

Diversity Scholarship Guidelines

Be Specific.

Share your story.

Video:

Final scholarship checklist: