Young African Catalysts has launched the Aspiring YAC Fellowships, targeting young professionals interested in breaking into venture capital or operator roles. The Young African Catalysts Fund I is set to launch in H2 2023, investing tickets of between $25,000 and $100,000 in startups that facilitate the development of jobs and infrastructure for the next generation of Africans.

Young African Catalysts aims to democratise access to the African venture ecosystem through data and community, helping young Africans upskill, find jobs, and unlock investment opportunities.

Co-founded by Luke Morsert and Karl Nchite, the invite-only VC community includes the lead investor, under 35 years old, from the 50 top venture capital funds across Africa.

Speaking about the fellowship, Morsert disclosed that

“Given the nascent nature of the venture ecosystem in Africa, established, older stakeholders tend to hold a competitive advantage – at Young African Catalysts we are looking to empower first-time operators, first-time founders, and first-time venture capitalists with the infrastructure to ignite their journeys,”

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Nchite also revealed that YAC provided a first-of-its-kind experience that it believed could benefit emerging talent interested in the African ecosystem. 

“Through our vocational fellowships, aspiring fellows have the opportunity to learn from leading African VCs and work collaboratively with African startup founders currently raising capital. This is unique in the fellowship landscape as it allows aspiring talent to learn directly from the professionals that they aspire to emulate,” he said. 

Young African Catalysts has been entirely self-funded to date, while the YAC Fund I is actively accepting investments.