Venture Capital Executive Program
Learn from Silicon Valley’s Most Influential & Connected Venture Capitalists
Overview
Whether you’re an executive leading corporate M&A or business development, an entrepreneur looking for funding, an asset manager, an economic development official, or an aspiring Venture Capitalist—the Venture Capital Executive Program gives you unprecedented access to Silicon Valley, the world of global venture capital, and an extraordinary opportunity to gain an inside perspective.
As a participant of this venture capital course, you’ll learn exactly what investors are looking for as well as how to build a foundation of investing principles, select and secure VC deals, create a comprehensive investment strategy, uncover pathways for angel investing and crowdfunding, master the VC deal structure, and capture greater value. No matter your background or goal, this comprehensive venture capital training will provide you with the knowledge to skillfully navigate the venture capital world so you can open more doors and catapult your success.
Key Takeaways
Discover the Inside Dynamics of VC Funds
Understand what motivates VCs, learn how venture capital reward systems work, and explore investing perspectives advantageous to fast-changing industries and recognizing emerging opportunities.
Master the Art and Science of a VC-Quality Deal
Learn how to identify Startups with a high probability of success, what entrepreneurs can do to optimize their returns, and the ins and outs of the VC investing cycle—from valuation and deal structuring to corporate governance and harvesting investments.
Gain Access to a Powerful Industry Network
Take advantage of an extraordinary opportunity to join and network with a distinctive cohort of professionals who are the connectors and innovators within the VC investing and private equity industry.
More about the Venture Capital Executive program
For many outsiders, the world of Venture Capital financing can appear unfamiliar, impenetrable, or perhaps even secretive. And, for those already in the VC world, recent seismic shifts have made the landscape almost unrecognizable.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative business opportunity needing start-up funding or an experienced VC practitioner looking to stay ahead of the curve, it’s essential to understand not only the nuts and bolts of VC but also the implications of recent changes so you can successfully navigate this shifting landscape. The Venture Capital Executive Program is designed to help you do this very thing.
Enjoy An Engaging Program Experience
This immersive Venture Capital training program is led by renowned Berkeley Haas faculty member, former entrepreneur, and Venture Capitalist Jerry Engel. Throughout the VC program, he and other preeminent faculty with guide you through a dynamic blend of:
- engaging lectures
- hands-on exercises
- illuminating panel discussions with top Venture Capital investors from the world’s premier innovative cluster of Silicon Valley
Emerge With an Insider’s Knowledge
You’ll leave this illuminating venture capital course knowing how to skillfully access and utilize VC to propel your success. From demonstrating VC funding resilience to knowing precisely how to break into venture capital—you will gain powerful new understanding and skills, grow your network, and have your finger on the pulse of what venture capital opportunities are hot in the post-pandemic economy.
Who's it for
Format & Structure
In-Person
- Five-day in-person venture capital program that provides interactive learning and networking
- Learn from 20+ top Venture Capital investors & UC Berkeley Haas faculty
- Access to the program alumni community
- Exclusive networking reception with faculty and peers
- Venture Capital Executive Program Certification of Completion
We recommend registering at least one week before the program start date due to heavy pre-work assignments.
Program experience may be affected if you enroll after the recommended date. Please note: seating is limited and capacity may be reached prior to recommended reg date.
September 2025 Program Orientation: September 2 at 9:00 am PST.
Dates & Costs
In-Person
Other Ways to Participate
Attend this program with a group of your colleagues.
Attend this program with colleagues to gain greater organizational impact. Groups of five or more receive special rates.
Customize this program for your organization.
Use this program's curriculum as the foundation of a program based on your company's unique objectives.
What people are saying
Get more information
Download the Venture Capital Executive Program Guide
The complimentary guide includes sample schedule, program curriculum, learning objectives, and more.
Employer Reimbursement
Gain tips on how to approach your manager about professional development and tuition reimbursement.
How do I enroll in the Venture Capital Executive program?
How do I enroll in this program?
Enrolling in any one of our programs is simple:
- Click on the "enroll" button on the program page
- Create an account or log in to our customer portal
- Complete the online reservation form (should take less than 2 minutes)
- Pay by credit card to complete your enrollment, or select your preferred payment type to reserve your seat and connect with the finance team
How much time can I expect to spend on coursework each day?
We know that time away from the office is precious, so we work hard to make our program experiences as productive and valuable as possible. Our programs span full business days starting between 8:30-9:00 a.m. and running through 5 p.m. with lunch served in the classroom and short breaks throughout the day.
Approximately 1-2 hours of evening activities and preparation for the next day are required for some programs. Please download the program guide for more detail.
Do your programs provide credits towards a degree, grades, transcripts, or Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Our programs are non-degree programs and do not hold any credit unit equivalency, letter grades, pass/fail designation, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or transcripts. Rather, we provide a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program.
To qualify for a certificate of completion, a participant must meet the minimum requirements as noted for each program and maintaining at least 80% attendance/engagement.
Can I enroll in a program if I live outside of the U.S.?
Yes. Enrollment is available to global leaders, but visa requirements may apply. Proficiency in written and spoken English at a level that allows full engagement and participation in a program is recommended.
For most international participants, a B1/B2 visa—for participation in scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions, conferences, or seminars—is required for entry into the United States to attend a program with us.
Requesting and receiving a visa takes time and we recommend beginning the process three or four months in advance of the start date of a program.
You can ask your Program Manager to prepare an invitation letter to help with your visa application. It is important to emphasize that the visit is for business purposes.
The Visa Waiver Program is available to citizens or nationals from select countries. Check the Department of State website to determine your eligibility and learn about the waiver process.
The list of countries sanctioned by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Control currently includes: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and the Ukraine-Crimea Region, plus the addition of Russia for Berkeley Executive Education at this time.
Faculty
Jerome Engel
Founding Executive Director Emeritus, Lester Center for Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Sean Foote
Continuing Professional Faculty | Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Haas School of Business
Speakers and panelists
View past Venture Capital speakers.
Certificates
Certificate of Completion
Signal your professional achievement to your network and get recognized for your completion! Upon successful completion of the program, UC Berkeley Executive Education grants a verified digital certificate of completion to participants that you are encouraged to add to your profiles.
Note: This program results in a digital certificate of completion and is not eligible for degree credit/CEUs. After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you directly. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of UC Berkeley Executive Education.
Certificate of Business Excellence
Participants in the Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) program will earn a mark of distinction from a world-class university, gain access to a powerful global network, and enjoy the flexibility of completing the program in up to three years. A UC Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence allows individuals to create a personal learning journey structured by our four academic pillars to gain management essentials in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Finance to drive both personal and organizational development.
