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bright minds academy

kickstart your career in venture capital & startups

apply!

Bright Minds Academy is developing a programme like no other

Powered by Raw Ventures and Startup WiseGuys, one of the most experienced B2B accelerators in Europe.

Get 6 months hands-on experience with venture capital, investment cases and startups, alongside an in-depth learning programme.

Based in London, Raw Ventures — a dynamic investment firm — will provide candidates unique experiences to work at the cutting edge of the global tech scene while learning from workshops, mentors, and hackathons.

As you learn you will have a chance to apply your skills to real life startup environments — gaining industry skills, a professional network, and the potential for long term employment.

No prior work experience or network required.

Start in September ‘24

kickstart your career now!

That’s what we provide

Through rigorous assessments and one-to-one in-person interviews, we will be investing into candidates with a strong business mentality, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to work at the intersection of venture and technology.

Unique Advantages

Skill Development

Regardless of your background, we provide essential knowledge through Startup WiseGuys and offer opportunities to apply your learnings in real industry scenarios, all while being supported by top industry mentors and coaches.

Professional Network

Connect with industry leaders and potential employers.

Hands on Experiences

Work placements with
a chance to put into practice the newly acquired knowledge across
the VC & startup world.

Career Advancement

Opportunity for full-time employment.

Programme Structure

Across online lectures, workshops, 1:1 mentoring, forum groups 
and hackathons, Bright Minds Academy offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on challenges that simulate real-world entrepreneurial experiences.

Our goal is for candidates to acquire essential knowledge and skills, allowing them to view the industry through the dual lenses of a founder and an investor.

Download the Program

Modules

Paving The Way for Talent
into the Professional World.
Culture, Purpose, Values
culture
purpose
values

We will empower you to align personal values with professional objectives, ensuring a solid foundation for ethical and impactful work.

Think Like a Founder
Think like a founder

Develop an entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on market evaluation, product development, project management, sales, marketing, 
and legal basics.

Think Like an Investor
Think like
an investor

Learn the basics of VC and angel investing, startup selection, due diligence, legal fundamentals, post-investment processes, and investment thesis development.

Get Mentored by Entrepreneurs
Who Have walked The Walk

Cristobal Alonso

Serial Entrepreneur, 
Executive, and Investor

From Spain, Cristobal 
is the Global CEO and El Patron of Startup WiseGuys, which is recognized as the most seasoned B2B accelerator in Europe, where he has invested in over 400 early-stage SaaS, Sustainability, XR, CyberSecurity, and Fintech startups.

Alexandra Balkova

Early Stage Investor

From Ukraine, Alexandra has years of experience across PR and Startup investing, averaging 70-80 startup investments per year.

Herty Tammo

Co-Founder of Ridango and Startup WiseGuys

From Estonia, Herty 
has established 6 businesses with 3 exits, has invested in notable companies such as Ridango, and co-founded Startup WiseGuys, the world’s top startup accelerator.

Dag Ainsoo

General Partner 
@ WiseGuys Ventures

From Estonia, Dag Ainsoo is an entrepreneur and investor, General Partner of Startup WiseGuys, and Management Board Member. Formerly co-founder of SmartAD (acquired by Modern Times Group AB), active angel investor, and CFO in multiple startup companies.

Stoyan Yankov

Productivity & 
Performance Coach

From Denmark, Stoyan is a productivity coach who works with major companies like HP, DraftKings, and EON, helping them accelerate their personal & team performance.

Application Process

The programme is open to:
  • UK graduates of degree programme
  • Based in London, or able to commit to London 
for the duration of the programme
  • Age 18-25
  • No restrictions on the subject matter of the degree

To Apply For The Bright Minds Academy

Step 1
Fill out the application form and complete the recommended online assessments (mandatory).
Step 2
If you are selected, you will be asked to do a video interview.
Step 3
Selected candidates will be invited for live interviews. Good luck!
Step 4
Successful candidates will be invited to join 
the Bright Minds inaugural Cohort.
Deadline for applications: JUNE 14th

FAQs

What is the Application Process?

Apply to the programme through this link, 
following which there will be an assessment.

Does it Cost?

No. All expenses associated with the Bright Minds Academy 
are covered for successful applicants. Accommodation/meals/travel expenses are not covered.

Do I have to be based in London?

Yes. While some components are online, many are in person, requiring candidates to be based in London for the duration of the programme. In special circumstances we may be able to assist with Visa issues. Please contact us for more details.

Who is Eligible?

We are accepting applicants who are recent graduates 
of degree programmes, irrespective of discipline.