Learn how
investors think.
Discuss investment frameworks, business models, and the decisions behind a venture portfolio with experienced practitioners.
PRACTITIONER-LED SESSIONSSTANFORD STUDENTS · 2027 COHORT
Grow your
venture
mindset.
Get closer to the people, ideas, and decisions that shape venture capital.
A 10-week journey of real startup discovery, investment thinking, and mentorship. By Stanford alumni, for Stanford students.
January 6 – March 10, 2027Wednesdays · 6:00–8:00 pm Pacific
Extraordinary company.THE 2025 COHORT ↗
10 weeks of learning by doingReal startups open-ended investment questions12 Stanford students different perspectives, shared curiosity
OUR PURPOSE
Inspire. Invest. Include.
Venture capital starts with the courage to ask what could be possible. RootedIn gives you a place to practice—with real companies, thoughtful mentors, and peers who see the world differently.
You don’t need an investing background. Bring curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn together.
THE EXPERIENCE
Learn venture.
By doing venture.
Move from a promising idea to a considered investment perspective. Build your judgment at every step.
Learn how
Follow your
curiosity into the field.
Source startups with your team. Ask better questions, speak with founders, and develop a point of view on an opportunity.
SOURCING & MENTORSHIPMake a case.
Then challenge it.
Practice due diligence, write investment memos, and present your reasoning to an investment committee.
TEAM PROJECT & FINAL PITCHA space for initiative, integrity, and intellectual humility.See the 2027 schedule ↓
INSIDE ROOTEDIN
The people make
the experience.
The conversations after a session. The question that changes your mind. The people you keep learning with.
GUIDED BY EXPERIENCE
Our faculty advisors.
Academic insight, practitioner experience, and a creative perspective help guide our mission and curriculum.
FOUNDER & INSTRUCTOR
Jing Kuang
Founding Partner, Y+ Ventures · Stanford GSB MBA
Bringing the classroom closer to the real work of venture capital—and building a community that learns together.
THE COMMUNITY BEHIND OUR PAST COHORTS
Past speakers & mentors.
With gratitude to the practitioners who have shared their experience. The 2027 speaker and mentor lineup will be announced separately.
Past speakers 06
Past mentors 07
FELLOW VOICES
A different way
to find your footing.
Reflections from our 2025 fellows, in their own words.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Make room for
what’s next.
For Stanford students who are serious about exploring a path in venture capital. All disciplines and experience levels are welcome.
THE 2027 COHORT10 WEDNESDAYS
January 6 —
March 10, 2027
6:00–8:00 pm Pacific Time
JAN
06 · 13 · 20 · 27
FEB
03 · 10 · 17 · 24
MAR
03 · 10
Session locations and fieldwork details will be shared before the program begins.
APPLICATION WINDOW
November 4 –
December 13, 2026
Tell us what you’re curious about, what you hope to contribute, and how you think about an investment opportunity.
- Your background and Stanford program
- Why RootedIn, and why now
- One startup you would explore—and the questions you would ask
Applications open November 4, 2026.
A FEW GOOD QUESTIONS
Do I need prior venture capital experience?+
No. RootedIn is designed to welcome students without investing experience, including those coming from other disciplines and industries. Curiosity and the willingness to participate matter.
Who can apply?+
The fellowship is designed for Stanford students interested in pursuing or exploring venture capital. The application asks for your Stanford program and expected graduation year.
What is the time commitment?+
Sessions run on Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm Pacific, January 6–March 10, 2027. Expect collaborative sourcing and project work outside sessions. The expected weekly project workload and fieldwork schedule will be shared before you confirm participation.
What are the cohort size and program fee?+
The 2027 cohort will include 12 Stanford students. Program fee details will be announced.
Will the past speakers and mentors be joining again?+
The people listed under “Past speakers & mentors” participated in earlier cohorts. The 2027 lineup has not yet been announced. Our faculty advisors remain Ilya A. Strebulaev, Claudia Fan Munce, and Bill Guttentag.
When can I apply?+
The application window is November 4–December 13, 2026. The application opens on this page on November 4; the exact closing time will be shared then.
ROOTED IN CURIOSITY. GROWING THROUGH EXPERIENCE.
Your perspective
belongs in the room.
2027 cohort · Applications November 4–December 13, 2026