AWE Fellowship Program

About AWE Fellowship Program:

The AWE Fellowship Program is a premier initiative aimed at developing skilled professionals—especially women—in private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC). 

The program is led by AWE Funds in partnership with AWE Foundation, several leading private capital institutional investors like venture funds, industry organizations, and backed by the Climate Gender Equity Fund (managed by 2X Global and supported by Amazon, Visa Foundation, UPS Foundation, Reckitt, and Skoll Foundation).  It is India’s first program offering specialized training and growth opportunities for aspiring investors.

The Fellowship combines an intensive bootcamp led by industry experts with immersive, hands-on experience to provide a holistic understanding of the venture capital landscape. The curriculum blends theoretical learning with real-world exposure, equipping Fellows to evaluate investment opportunities, support portfolio companies, and navigate the startup ecosystem.

Through lectures, case studies, interactive workshops, and group exercises, participants will sharpen their analytical skills, deepen their industry knowledge, and build a strong professional network.

AWE Fellowship – Immersive Experience:

Following the bootcamp, participants can apply for a competitive, performance-based 9-month Fellowship with leading VC/PE funds. This opportunity places Fellows within investment teams, working alongside seasoned venture capitalists and entrepreneurs on real investment deals.

The Fellowship offers comprehensive exposure to the entire investment lifecycle, including deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, and investor relations. Select Fellows may also receive full-time analyst offers with host organizations upon successful completion of the program.

Fellowship Program Structure:

The AWE Fellowship is structured into three key phases:

Phase 1: Virtual Bootcamp (14 Sessions) (Jul 1, 2025 to Jul 31, 2025)

An intensive, 14-session virtual bootcamp led by industry experts. This phase is open to up to 10 selected participants, chosen through a rigorous selection process. Upon selection, participants will join the cohort after payment of program fees. 

The standard fee is ₹3,00,000, but for the inaugural batch, this is reduced to ₹50,000.

Phase 2: Experiential Immersive Program (6–9 Months)*
Selected Fellows will be matched* with partner organizations for a 6–9 month immersive experience, applying their knowledge in real-world settings. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend from the host organization. 

*The match is subject to mutual agreement between the Fellow and the Host Partner organization and cannot be guaranteed.

Phase 3: Final Offer*

At the end of the program, AWE Fellows may be offered full-time analyst roles with VC/PE funds, based on performance and organizational fit.*

*The final offer is subject to mutual agreement between the Fellow and the Host Partner organization and cannot be guaranteed.

Bootcamp Fee:

Early bird special (If Application Submitted by April 24th, 2025): Rs. 30,000.

Bootcamp Fee (If Application Submitted After April 24th, 2025): Rs. 60,000.

Application Process:

The selection process consists of the following steps:

Step 1: Submit an online application with your resume to be considered for the bootcamp. Selected candidates must commit to completing the full bootcamp to qualify for the Immersive Experiential Phase of the Fellowship.

Step 2 (Post-Bootcamp): Virtual interview with the Jury to assess your background, skills, and interest in investing.

Step 3: Final selection 

Step 4: Fellowship Offer & Acceptance 

As part of the Fellowship, participants will engage in all aspects of the investment process, including deal sourcing, due diligence, market research, financial analysis, and investment recommendations. Fellows will also work with diverse portfolio companies, offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and support in scaling their businesses.

In addition, the AWE Fellowship fosters a vibrant community where Fellows can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. Regular meetups, networking events, and mentorship sessions will help Fellows expand their networks and gain insights from seasoned investors and entrepreneurs.

Join the AWE Fellows Community:

If you’re ready to take your investing journey to the next level, apply now and become part of the exclusive AWE Fellows 2025 cohort. Through our bootcamp, immersive Fellowship, and vibrant community, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and network to thrive in the world of venture capital.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to shape the future of entrepreneurship and make a lasting impact in the investment ecosystem.