Dream VC, a leading African venture capital education institute, has announced the launch of its 2025 training programmes. The initiative aims to equip aspiring investors with the skills needed to navigate Africa’s growing investment landscape.
This year, Dream VC is introducing updated editions of its flagship programmes—the Investor Accelerator (IA) and Launch Into Venture Capital (LIVC)—alongside new tools designed to enhance investment education and market transparency.
Among the key innovations is the Founders Personality Test, a tool designed to help investors assess the suitability of entrepreneurs for venture-scale businesses. Additionally, the institute has released the first-ever African Investment Salary Report, offering insights into pay structures across venture capital, private equity, and impact investment firms.
Growing Influence in African Venture Capital
Since its inception, Dream VC has built a strong reputation, with over 250 individuals completing its intensive programmes. More than 70 venture capital and private equity firms now employ its alumni, and graduates manage investment firms with a collective $7 billion in assets under management.
The institution has also seen a surge in participation, receiving more than 5,000 applications since 2021, while its alumni network spans over 50 nationalities.
Expanded Curriculum and Career Support
The 2025 training cycle brings significant upgrades to the curriculum:
- Investor Accelerator Programme: Now extended to 22 weeks, featuring expanded financial modelling, board governance training, and access to industry-leading investment and AI due diligence tools.
- Launch Into Venture Capital Programme: Introduces a structured off-ramp into venture roles, giving top-performing fellows direct exposure to investment firms.
- Enhanced Career Support: New resources include exclusive access to industry job lists, investment resources, and simulated VC job interviews to better prepare participants for real-world roles.
Dream VC’s immersive, virtual-first model remains a key feature, supplemented by live training from experienced venture capitalists, hands-on projects, and an Annual Retreat and Immersion Week in a leading African innovation hub.
Africa’s Investment Landscape in 2025
The launch of Dream VC’s 2025 programmes comes as venture capital activity rebounds across Africa. The recent rise of unicorns such as Moniepoint and Tyme highlights the continent’s growing startup ecosystem.
Emerging market investment is also seeing increased cross-border activity, with African startups attracting funding from Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Meanwhile, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are providing stronger exit opportunities, reflecting greater market maturity.
Corporate venture capital is another rising trend, with multinational firms increasingly viewing Africa as a strategic hub for innovation. Meanwhile, diaspora-led investment continues to gain momentum, particularly from regions like Tunisia and Morocco.
A New Generation of Investors
Commenting on the launch, Mark Kleyner, Co-CEO of Dream VC, said: “The African investment landscape is evolving rapidly. Our 2025 programmes are designed to train the next generation of investors who will drive venture capital forward.”
Co-CEO Cindy Ai added: “With more startups scaling globally, investors must be prepared for an increasingly interconnected market. Our new tools and curriculum upgrades reflect these changes.”
Applications for Dream VC’s 2025 programmes open on 24 February 2025 and close on 31 March 2025. More details, including information on available scholarships, can be found on Dream VC’s official website.