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Included VC, based in London, England, United Kingdom, operates a fully funded global fellowship program for aspiring venture capitalists from diverse and underrepresented communities. The program provides education, mentorship from top VCs, masterclasses, and networking to help participants secure investment roles in venture capital firms. It typically enrolls cohorts of 40 to 75 fellows, with its third cohort in 2022 comprising 75 participants, following a 40-fellow cohort around 2020. The initiative aims to diversify VC teams, improve fund performance, and connect VC with underserved founder networks, ultimately fostering a more inclusive venture ecosystem. Co-founded by Nikita Thakrar, who serves as CEO, and Chris Tottman, a General Partner at Notion Capital, the organization was established by them, though its specific founding year is not publicly known.
Key people at Included VC.
Included VC was founded in 2021 by Chris Tottman (Founder).
Key people at Included VC.
Included VC is a global fellowship program dedicated to diversifying the venture capital (VC) industry by increasing representation from overlooked and underrepresented communities. Its mission is to transform VC networks, staffing, deal flow, and investments to create long-term, multi-generational change that maximizes fund success. The fellowship provides aspiring venture capitalists with exclusive access to education, mentorship, and practical experience through masterclasses, investment committee simulations, and networking opportunities. Supported by a consortium of leading VC firms and sponsors such as BITKRAFT, Creandum, European Investment Fund, and Seedcamp, Included VC primarily serves individuals seeking to enter VC roles, aiming to bridge the gap between diverse talent and the venture capital ecosystem globally[1][3][4].
Founded to address the systemic lack of diversity in VC, Included VC offers a fully funded, rigorous 5- to 8-month program that blends theory and hands-on learning, enabling fellows to break into VC roles worldwide. The program is delivered online with optional in-person summits, accommodating participants from various regions including tailored fellowships like Included VC Africa. Since its inception, over 85% of fellows actively seeking roles have successfully entered the VC ecosystem, demonstrating strong growth momentum and impact on the startup funding landscape by promoting inclusion and access[1][4][6].
Included VC was co-founded by Stephen Millard, who is also an Operating Partner at Notion Capital, among others. The initiative emerged from the recognition that entrepreneurial talent is universally distributed but venture capital opportunities are not. The founders aimed to create a platform that would provide education, mentorship, and network access to diverse and overlooked communities, thereby changing the demographics of VC investment teams. The program has evolved to become a global fellowship with strong backing from top-tier VC firms and institutional investors like the European Investment Fund, which has renewed its support multiple times, underscoring the program’s credibility and impact[1][4][7].
Included VC rides the critical trend of diversity and inclusion in venture capital, addressing the systemic underrepresentation of women, minorities, and overlooked communities in investment roles. The timing is pivotal as the VC industry increasingly recognizes that diverse teams generate better returns and more innovative deal flow. By building bridges between diverse founders and VC firms, Included VC helps unlock untapped market opportunities and drives sustainable economic growth. Its influence extends beyond talent development to reshaping the venture capital ecosystem’s culture and investment patterns, contributing to a more equitable and effective funding environment[1][2][4].
Included VC is poised to continue expanding its global footprint and deepen its impact by scaling cohorts and tailoring programs to emerging markets. Future trends shaping its journey include the growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, the rise of underrepresented founders in tech innovation, and the increasing demand for diverse perspectives in investment decision-making. As the fellowship matures, it may evolve into a broader platform influencing fund formation and capital allocation strategies, further embedding diversity as a core driver of venture capital success. Included VC’s mission to change the face of venture capital remains critical to unlocking the full potential of the global startup ecosystem[1][4][6].
Included VC was founded in 2021 by Chris Tottman (Founder).
