Forge a Path in Venture Philanthropy: ACT Fellowship Program Opens Applications For Its 2024-25 Cohort  

New Delhi – ACT, a non-profit venture philanthropy platform, has officially opened applications for the third cohort of its ACT Fellowship Program. This initiative offers early to mid-career professionals a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applying venture capital principles towards catalysing tech-led innovations to create social impact at scale, while developing their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

Program Overview

The ACT Fellowship Program is a 9 month, full-time and fully-funded apprenticeship program that is designed for individuals looking to build a career in social impact, transition into impact investing, or become social entrepreneurs. The 2024-25 cohort will begin their journey in September 2024 and will build their real-world understanding of venture philanthropy by working alongside leading investors and exceptional social entrepreneurs.

Each Fellow will be matched with one of ACT’s four focus areas – education & skilling, public healthcare, climate action, and gender equity – and will be eligible for a monthly stipend of Rs. 60,000. Through the program, Fellows will work on various live projects including sector research, deal-flow sourcing, due diligence, investment pitches, portfolio management, impact assessment, collaborative programs, industry events, and ecosystem partnerships. Fellows from the previous cohorts have come from a diverse set of professional backgrounds like consulting, investment banking, startup operations, development sector programs etc.

“We’re seeing a growing number of young professionals looking to pivot their career towards the impact space and the ACT Fellowship Program is custom designed for such driven individuals who are eager to drive meaningful social change, are passionate about the role of technology and innovation, and keen to explore the potential of venture philanthropy,” said Alankrita Khera, Director at ACT.

Eligibility and Application Process

The 2024-25 cohort will accept six Fellows into the program. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

●       Be a resident Indian citizen.

●       Hold a graduate degree in any discipline from an accredited university in or outside India.

●       Have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience.

●       Be willing to relocate to either Bombay, Delhi or Bangalore for the duration of the program.

Interested candidates must complete and submit an online application form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a virtual case interview, followed by an in-person interview with a member of ACT’s leadership team. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and with limited spots available, early applications are highly encouraged.

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM on August 13, 2024