2025 Q2

Angel investors, LPs, and VCs evaluating and managing investments.

Setting strategic direction, making high-stakes decisions, and translating vision into execution.

Crafting compelling narratives to inspire teams, communicate vision, and drive action.

Defining how a product or company is differentiated and perceived relative to competitors.

Raising Fund I? Build your fund-ready pack live, with feedback from an LP who's reviewed 2,000+ GP pitches.

10+ years in VC | 40u40 VCJ Rising Star

Anthemis

Goldman Sachs

Dario de Wet

Reviewed 2,000+ GP pitches | LP selection committees | Backed 776, WndrCo & f7 

Raise Your First VC Fund

Emerging VC? Master fundraising & LP strategy with on-demand lessons + private 1:1 sessions, taught by an LP who’s reviewed 1,200+ funds.

The University Technology Fund

Saïd Business School

Designed for emerging VCs, this course gives you practical frameworks to refine your narrative, raise with conviction, structure your fund, and build durable LP relationships. Whether you’re about to launch or already managing a fund, you’ll get tools to sharpen your approach and win investor trust. I’ve shared these lessons as a guest lecturer at Oxford Saïd Business School’s Entrepreneurship Centre. Now they’re available in a concise, high-production on-demand format designed for your schedule. PLEASE NOTE: This course is self-paced with six pre-recorded lessons (~80 mins), followed by a private 1:1 session with me. You’ll also join a private WhatsApp community for peer support.

Master the skills to excel as an emerging VC manager and lead with confidence.

You're an existing emerging manager seeking to optimize and enhance your fund offering to attract investors and drive growth.

You're a seasoned investor ready to spin out and start your own fund, navigating the challenge of building without a big brand behind you.

You aspire to start your own fund, are proactive and eager to get ahead, gaining a deep understanding of what of what this journey entails.

Who is this course for

What you’ll get out of this course

Acquire the skills and knowledge to maximize investor appeal. Learn the tools and strategies needed to refine your fund’s narrative, structure, and value proposition, ensuring you effectively communicate your vision and optimize your fundraising efforts for success.

Explore Best Practices to Optimize Your Fund Opportunity.

Gain insight into the mindset of LP investors and understand what drives their decisions. Learn how to tailor your pitch, build trust, and align your fund’s goals with their investment criteria to increase your chances of success.

Understand the Mind of an LP Investor on the Other Side of the Table.

The VC industry thrives on connections. By joining this cohort, you’ll tap into my global network of 1000+ VC funds and gain access to lifelong learning, knowledge-sharing, deal flow, and valuable opportunities to expand your footprint in the VC world.

Expand Your Network, Amplify Your Impact.
 

6 on-demand video modules

1:1 private session with me

Connect with peers and continue the discussion

Private WhatsApp community

Certificate of completion

In this first session, you'll introduce yourself and reflect on your journey to becoming an emerging fund manager. Understanding your "WHY" is key to shaping your vision and long-term success. You'll define your motivations, share your story, identify challenges, and connect with your cohort to align goals with actions.

Foundation - Unpacking Your 'WHY'

Discover the key differences between proactive and reactive GPs and what LPs value most. Learn how anticipation, strategy, and consistency set top-tier managers apart. Through real-world examples, refine your approach to stand out in fundraising and investor communications. This session transitions into deck materials for a stronger pitch.

Narrative - Proactive VS Reactive

Master a step-by-step pitch framework to communicate your fund effectively. Learn how to present the right information in the right order, craft a compelling narrative, and avoid common pitfalls. Gain insights into what LPs look for, ensuring your pitch stands out in a competitive market and sets you up for fundraising success.

Materials - Standing Out From The Crowd

Explore critical elements of fee structures and fund economics, including front-loading, market norms, and portfolio construction. Learn how these factors impact your fund model and what LPs expect to see. Gain insights into structuring your fund’s financials to maximize appeal and ensure long-term success.

Fund Economics - Fee Structures & Financial Models 

In this session, we’ll guide you in building an effective data room for fundraising. We’ll cover essential documents, best practices for sharing with LPs, and selecting providers. Learn to present your data professionally and transparently to build trust, enhance credibility, and support your fundraising success.

Data Room - Putting It All Together

In this final session, we’ll focus on launching your fundraising efforts. Learn strategies to identify and target the right LP prospects, understand different LP types, and explore best practices and etiquette. This session will help you take action, apply your knowledge, and confidently accelerate your fundraising strategy.

Fundraising - GO!!!!!!!

Course syllabus

Founder & General Partner at Perplexity F7

Founding Partner | Head of LP Relations @ The Bridge

Founding Partner at Springbank Collective

Founder at EMBED | Venture Partner at Anthemis

Co-Founder & Partner at Pink Salt Ventures

Co-Founder at ZINC | Co-Founder at Alma Angels | Co-Founder at NewCo UK

Head of Networks & Alumni | Entrepreneurship Centre | Saïd Business School , University of Oxford

Founding Director at Founders & Funders | Founding Team - Venture Lab at Planet Positive Lab

What people are saying

f7 Ventures

WndrCo

Seven Seven Six

Seedcamp

Springbank Collective

Founder & General Partner at LTV Capital

Meet your instructor

Learn through 6 concise, professionally recorded video lessons. Watch on your own time, revisit key frameworks, and progress at the pace that fits your fundraising journey.

Self-Paced

After completing the videos, schedule a private 60-min 1:1 with Dario. Bring your toughest questions on fundraising, LP engagement, or structuring your fund.

Private 1:1 Session

Access a private WhatsApp group of peers worldwide. Discuss fundraising tactics, share learnings, and stay accountable. This group keeps you connected after the course.

Community

Course schedule

Connections are at the heart of venture. Meet other managers, swap insights, and expand your reach.

Build your network

Be part of the first online Maven course specifically designed to enable emerging VC managers for long-term success.

Level up

It's all about community

Frequently Asked Questions

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