Fellowships Under $100k - Mentorship
Explore curated fellowship opportunities for mentorship.
Soma Capital Fellowship
Semi-annual fellowship investing $100K SAFE (<1% equity) in founders.
The Exponential Fellowship
A paid fellowship that places exceptional young Spanish builders at fast-growing U.S. startups — visa, flights and insurance handled, with full U.S. pay and access to mentorship and community.
Vercel Open Source Program
Seasonal cohort-based program offering impactful open source projects up to $3,600 in Vercel credits, third-party OSS starter-pack credits, and prioritized support.
Z Fellows
One-week program offering a $10,000 stipend and mentorship from Silicon Valley's top founders for early technical builders.
Soma Capital Fellowship
Semi-annual fellowship investing $100K SAFE (<1% equity) in founders.
The Exponential Fellowship
A paid fellowship that places exceptional young Spanish builders at fast-growing U.S. startups — visa, flights and insurance handled, with full U.S. pay and access to mentorship and community.
Vercel Open Source Program
Seasonal cohort-based program offering impactful open source projects up to $3,600 in Vercel credits, third-party OSS starter-pack credits, and prioritized support.
Z Fellows
One-week program offering a $10,000 stipend and mentorship from Silicon Valley's top founders for early technical builders.
What You'll Find
- Fellowship: Tech fellowships offer immersive experiences combining hands-on work, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to exclusive networks.
- Average funding: $48k per opportunity
- Average duration: 6 months
- Mentorship: Mentorship opportunities provide structured guidance from experienced professionals, helping you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your progress.
Benefits
- J-1 US visa assistance (visa, typically insurance and flights covered)
- Paid U.S. placements — fellows typically earn U.S. salaries (reported range: $80,000–$150,000)
- 12–18 month placement (depending on experience / visa type)
- Access to mentorship, founders, investors, and exclusive community events
- Network of host startups in Silicon Valley and New York
Application Tips
- Research each program thoroughly to understand their specific requirements and what they're looking for
- Reach out to program alumni or current participants to gain insights into the application process
- Tailor your application to highlight how your project aligns with the program's goals and values
- Understand the difference between equity-based and equity-free funding to make informed decisions
- Review the terms carefully, including any equity requirements, repayment terms, or program obligations
- Calculate the true cost of funding, including equity given up, time commitments, and program requirements
The Exponential Fellowship
A paid fellowship that places exceptional young Spanish builders at fast-growing U.S. startups — visa, flights and insurance handled, with full U.S. pay and access to mentorship and community.
Soma Capital Fellowship
Semi-annual fellowship investing $100K SAFE (<1% equity) in founders.
Vercel Open Source Program
Seasonal cohort-based program offering impactful open source projects up to $3,600 in Vercel credits, third-party OSS starter-pack credits, and prioritized support.
Z Fellows
One-week program offering a $10,000 stipend and mentorship from Silicon Valley's top founders for early technical builders.