The Bet on Entrepreneurship program provides rising Sophomores (Class of 2027) at the University of Pennsylvania who identify as first-generation, and/or lower-income (FGLI) with a summer immersion placement at one of the participating San Francisco/Bay Area-based venture capital firms.

Program Timeline
  • November
  • November
  • December
  • Spring 2024 Bootcamp
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    Applications Open
    Tuesday, November 14, 2023

    Eligibility Requirements

    Current first-year undergraduate student (Class of 2027) at the University of Pennsylvania

    Registered Penn First Plus student
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    Bet on Entrepreneurship Information Session
    Tuesday, November 14, 2023
    12 - 1pm EST

    Join us for an info session about Venture Lab's Bet on Entrepreneurship program. Attend to learn about the program and application process, and hear from alumni of the program. Selected students participate in a pre-immersion bootcamp during the Spring semester and then travel to San Francisco for an immersion experience at one of our partner SF/Bay Area VC firms. Selected students are provided with a $10,000 award to assist with travel and living expenses, and housing is provided by the BoE program.
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    Applications Close
    Sunday, December 3, 2023

    Eligibility Requirements

    Current first-year undergraduate student (Class of 2027) at the University of Pennsylvania

    Registered Penn First Plus student
  • Spring 2024 Bootcamp Dates


    • Friday, February 9, 2024 | 3:30-6:30p ET | Kick-Off
    • Friday, February 16, 2024 | 3:30-6:30p ET | Session #2
    • Friday, Februrary 23, 2024 | 3:30-6:30p ET| Session #3
    • Friday, March 15, 2024| 3:30-6:30p ET | Session #4
    • Friday, March 29, 2024 | 3:30-6:30p ET | Session #5
    • Friday, April 5, 2024 | 3:30-6:30p | Session #6
    • Friday, April 19, 2024 | 3:30-6:30p | Session #7 (Closing Session)

  • Meet Our 2022 Cohort

    Our 2022 cohort recounts their summer immersive experience by sharing what they've learned about venture capital and their time observing the San Francisco/Bay Area entrepreneurship ecosystem.
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    Video Companion

    Use the research resources mentioned in this guide developed by Penn Libraries to learn more about Venture Capital. Both subscription and freely available resources are included.

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    Now, when I approach the world, I'm going to be thinking about all aspects of the VC ecosystem, from the creation of the product to how it fits into my everyday life. I'm able to ask a lot more questions, ask the right questions, and ask them with the confidence that I didn't have before this program started.
    Shivani Desai, W'25 | BoE'2022
    Before the internship, I thought I had to take a certain route to end up in VC and it was the only way I could do it. But, I realized that I can genuinely do what I love and want to do, and whatever I love will come to me.
    Haily Rosario, W'25 | BoE'22
    The BoE program changed my perspective on diversity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It made me realize that what we do at the Softbank Opportunity Fund is more than just writing a check. It's growing the seed in these founders and being able to nourish their passions.
    Shekinah-Glory Lawal, ENG'25 | BoE'22
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