Dorm Room Fund vs GC fellows vs Contrary what is the best student vc fellowship program

Thinking in terms of ability to cut checks, mentorship from the fund, how much respect other VCs have for these programs. How good they actually are.

Also interesting are Contrary, etc

11 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a comparison of student VC fellowship programs:

Dorm Room Fund

  • Ability to Cut Checks: Dorm Room Fund is known for giving students the ability to make real investments. They have a significant amount of capital allocated for student-led investments.
  • Mentorship: Strong mentorship from First Round Capital, which is highly respected in the VC community.
  • Respect from Other VCs: High respect due to its association with First Round Capital and its track record of successful investments.

GC (General Catalyst) Fellows

  • Ability to Cut Checks: GC Fellows have access to resources and can make investments, but the scale might be smaller compared to Dorm Room Fund.
  • Mentorship: Excellent mentorship from General Catalyst, a top-tier VC firm.
  • Respect from Other VCs: High respect due to General Catalyst's reputation and the quality of the program.

Contrary

  • Ability to Cut Checks: Contrary provides students with the ability to make investments and has a unique model of identifying and backing top talent.
  • Mentorship: Strong mentorship from experienced VCs and entrepreneurs.
  • Respect from Other VCs: Growing respect as Contrary has been making a name for itself with successful investments and a unique approach to venture capital.

Summary

  • Best for Ability to Cut Checks: Dorm Room Fund
  • Best for Mentorship: GC Fellows
  • Best for Respect from Other VCs: Dorm Room Fund and GC Fellows

Each program has its strengths, and the best choice depends on what aspects you prioritize most.

Sources: Q&A: 2nd Year Associate at a VC fund - Breaking in With a Fund of Funds + IB background, Georgetown U Student Investment Fund (GUSIF)?, Q&A: VC General Partner at Top Fund, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/venture-capital/vc-is-a-laughable-shitshow-change-my-mind?customgpt=1, Georgetown U Student Investment Fund (GUSIF)?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

dorm room fund is definitely seen as the most prestigious, but whichever one you want depends on your goals and how much of your time you want to commit. Just ask them what its like. I made it to final rounds/superday for all of them 

 

Not sure that "prestige" is what really matters for these student VC positions anyways, it's an eat-what-you-kill model at the end of the day no matter which one you join. DRF is a well-known program but I think any of the VC sourcing positions (at Contrary or GC) are solid

 

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