Dream VC, an Africa-focused venture capital training institute, has launched applications for its 2025 programs, capitalising on renewed momentum in the continent’s venture funding landscape. The organisation, which positions itself as a leading educator for emerging market investors, is expanding its curriculum and introducing new analytical tools as it seeks to broaden the pool of skilled professionals navigating Africa’s evolving investment ecosystem.
Founded to address a perceived skills gap within the African investment sector, Dream VC offers intensive, virtual-first programmes designed to equip individuals with the practical knowledge and networks necessary to enter or advance within venture capital and related fields. For 2025, the institute will run two flagship programmes: the Investor Accelerator (IA), aimed at individuals looking to deepen their existing investment expertise, and Launch Into Venture Capital (LIVC), targeting those seeking an entry point into the industry.
This year’s iteration of the programmes will feature expanded curricula, with the IA programme extended to 22 weeks from 20, incorporating more hands-on training and case studies. LIVC will see enhanced modules on financial modelling, while IA adds dedicated training on board governance and non-executive directorships, reflecting a move towards equipping aspiring VCs for more active roles within portfolio companies.
Beyond curriculum enhancements, Dream VC is introducing new resources for the African investment community. These include the Founders Personality Test, a tool designed to categorise founder archetypes and assess their suitability for venture-backed businesses. The institute is also preparing to release the first Comprehensive African Investment Salary Report, aiming to benchmark remuneration across venture capital, private equity, and impact investment firms. The report’s scope is projected to cover over 10% of employees in the sector, potentially providing valuable insights into industry compensation structures.
According to Dream VC, its programmes have trained over 250 individuals to date, with alumni now employed at more than 70 venture capital and private equity firms. The organisation claims its network extends to professionals managing or working within investment firms with a combined $7 billion in assets under management. These figures, while self-reported, suggest a growing footprint within the African investment training space.
The application launch comes at a time when venture capital activity in Africa shows signs of renewed vigour after a period of global market recalibration. Dream VC highlights the emergence of new African “unicorns” like Moniepoint and Tyme as indicators of sustained high-growth potential. The institute also points to strengthening investment bridges between Africa and other emerging markets, increased mergers and acquisitions activity providing liquidity, and a rise in corporate venture capital interest as factors contributing to a potentially transformative year for African venture investment.
Mark Kleyner, Co-CEO of Dream VC, stated that the 2025 programmes aim to build “the next generation of investors who will shape the future of venture capital across the continent and beyond.” Cindy Ai, also Co-CEO, emphasised the practical focus of the updated curriculum, noting the need for investors prepared to navigate “increasingly globalised opportunities” and cross-continent collaborations.
Devika Bade, Head of Platform at Dream VC, characterised the initiative as more than just a training programme, but a “movement,” highlighting the growing interest from corporate venture capital and institutional investors in emerging markets, including Africa.
Applications for the 2025 Dream VC programmes are open from February 24th to March 31st. While the institute positions itself as a key player in developing African investment talent, the long-term impact of its programmes and the accuracy of its self-reported metrics will require further independent assessment. The appetite for such training, however, underscores the increasing sophistication and perceived opportunity within Africa’s burgeoning venture capital landscape.
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.
Launch Into Venture Capital Program Applications: https://www.dream-vc.com/launch-into-vc
Investor Accelerator Program Applications: https://www.dream-vc.com/investor-accelerator