Dream VC, the venture capital education institute in Africa, has announced the opening of applications for its highly anticipated 2025 venture capital training programs, a bold return with expanded resources, cutting-edge curriculum updates, and industry-first tools for the ecosystem.
This year, Dream VC unveils two new editions of their flagship programs—Investor Accelerator (IA) and Launch Into Venture Capital (LIVC)—alongside pioneering new resources for the African investment ecosystem, including:
- The Founders Personality Test (a.k.a. KMBC Ultimate Wildcard Test): A revolutionary tool (already live) designed to help investors and ecosystem builders understand different founder archetypes and their suitability for venture-scale businesses.
- The First-Ever Comprehensive African Investment Salary Report: A comprehensive study (coming soon) covering salary benchmarks across venture capital, private equity, and impact investment firms, representing over 10% of employees in the industry.
According to Mark Kleyner, Co-CEO at Dream VC, “The African investment landscape is evolving rapidly, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. Our 2025 programs are not just about education—they are about building the next generation of investors who will shape the future of venture capital across the continent and beyond. With VC activity on the rise, and an increasing number of African startups making headlines for their growth and exits, there has never been a better time to dive into venture capital. We’ve seen a record number of alumni successfully launch funds, join top-tier firms, and drive impact across markets. This year’s applicants will be stepping into an ecosystem that is more interconnected and opportunity-rich than ever before.”
A Legacy of Impact in the Investment Ecosystem
Dream VC’s 2025 institute has 70+ venture capital and private equity firms now employ Dream VC fellows, 250+ individuals have completed Dream VC’s intensive annual programs, Dream VC fellows work at or manage investment firms with a collective $7B+ in AUM, 50+ nationalities represented among Dream VC alumni, Dream VC’s ecosystem events have mobilised over 2,000 individual investors and venture capitalists, 5,000+ applications received since 2021 and Dream VC’s internal team has expanded to 7 core members, all alumni from past cohorts.
What’s New in the 2025 Programs?
Dream VC’s Investor Accelerator (IA) and Launch Into Venture Capital (LIVC) programs remain high-intensity, immersive, and virtual-first. However, this year, the programs will introduce:
Program Enhancements & Curriculum Upgrades
- IA Program Now 22 Weeks (Up from 20): Expanded curriculum with additional hands-on training, deeper case study applications, and more real-world VC scenarios.
- Expanded Module on Financial Modeling (LIVC): Deep dives into modeling best practices for early-stage and growth investments.
- Expanded Module on Board Governance & Non-Executive Directorship (IA): Training aspiring VCs to take active board roles in startups.
- World-Class Tech Tool Access: Integrating industry-leading investment and AI due diligence tools into the curriculum.
Application & Selection Process Improvements
- Streamlined Application Process: Moving from four stages to three, increasing selectivity while improving efficiency.
Post-Program Career Support & Industry Access
- Structured Off-Ramp to Venture Roles (LIVC): Top-performing fellows will gain access to exclusive VC Residency work sprints, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world fund environments.
- Exclusive Access to Angel, VC & CVC Resource Lists: To support job searches and co-investment opportunities.
- Interview & Application Simulations (LIVC): Enhancing participant preparation for real-world venture capital roles.
- Continuous Upgrades to Alumni Support: More resources for job hunting and ongoing upskilling, via mentorship, bootcamps, and refresher courses.
What Stays the Same?
Despite the numerous upgrades, Dream VC continues to offer its hallmark features, including:
- Live training by Dream VC’s core team of experienced VCs and venture builders
- Highly interactive sessions, group activities, and investment-focused projects (particularly in LIVC)
- Annual Retreat and Immersion Week: A cornerstone experience where alumni gather in an emerging African innovation hub. (Previous locations: Zanzibar, Marrakech, Hammamet/Tunis)
- World-Class Speaker Roster: Featuring top-tier investors and ecosystem leaders
A Turning Point for Venture Capital in Africa
With venture capital activity rebounding globally, 2025 is poised to be a transformative year for the African investment ecosystem. The rise of new African unicorns, including Moniepoint and Tyme, demonstrates sustained high-growth potential and signals that the continent continues to produce globally competitive startups.
At the same time, emerging market bridges are strengthening, with more funds actively connecting Africa with Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. This cross-border collaboration is creating new investment opportunities, allowing African startups to scale beyond their home markets and access broader pools of capital. In parallel, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity is increasing, providing stronger liquidity pathways for investors and signaling greater market maturity.
Another major shift is the surge in corporate venture capital (CVC) as global players increasingly recognize Africa as a strategic hub for both talent and innovation. With growing interest from multinational corporations, 2025 is expected to see new entrants making their first investments in African markets, further diversifying the investor landscape. Additionally, diaspora-led investment is accelerating with African founders, particularly from Tunisia and Morocco, driving capital inflows and expanding the footprint of African innovation into global markets.
These shifts all mark a critical turning point for venture capital in Africa, presenting new opportunities for both investors and entrepreneurs ready to shape the continent’s next wave of growth.
“We have spent years refining our approach, and this year’s updates reflect what the ecosystem truly needs: practical, job-ready VC training that goes beyond theory. The past few years have shown us the resilience and adaptability of the African investment ecosystem. As we see more cross-continent collaborations between Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, it’s clear that the next generation of investors must be prepared to navigate increasingly globalized opportunities. We are excited to open applications to another cohort of ambitious learners who will shape the future of investment across Africa and beyond,” said Cindy Ai, Co-CEO at Dream VC.
Applications Open February 24, 2025
Applications for Dream VC’s 2025 programs open on February 24, 2025 and close on March 31, 2025. Interested candidates can find more information about the programs, available scholarships, and apply via Dream VC’s official website.