We are currently recruiting for the following project:

BCBA Venture Capital Advisory Fellowship Program – Cohort 1

Who we are:

BCBA connects academic science trainees and recent graduates with the Bay Area biotech industry through hands-on consulting and due diligence projects. Our volunteer organization is composed of PhD students, postdocs, medical trainees, and young professionals seeking professional development for careers in biotech, consulting, and venture capital. Over 450 scientists nationwide have participated in BCBA projects, leading to internships and full-time roles with top biotech companies, consulting firms, and venture capital firms. 

We are excited to launch our first VC fellowship cohort, designed to provide training opportunities for PhD students interested in biotech venture capital and ensure fellows are well-prepared to contribute effectively to venture advisory projects. 

Project timeline: January-June 2025 (6 months total)

Who You Are:

• A graduate or professional student (e.g., PhD, MS, MBA, MD, PharmD), postdoc, or recent graduate
• Enthusiastic about gaining venture capital experience in life sciences, conducting scientific diligence on biotech startups, and evaluating company capabilities, market potential, and competitive landscapes.
• Possess strong domain expertise in fields such as neuroscience, longevity, bioengineering, oncology, immunology, or AI.
• Eager to enhance your communication and presentation skills through company pitches, networking with peers and mentors, and presenting findings to the team.
• Interested in client sourcing and outreach, building relationships with VC firms, and creating networking opportunities within the VC community.
• Available to commit 10-15 hours per week as a volunteer.

Program Structure

Part 1: Training (January – March)

• Onboarding and VC 101: Start with an intensive onboarding, including a foundational VC 101 session covering the essentials of due diligence reports and key resources.
• Guest Speaker Sessions: Attend talks with guest speakers from the VC industry to gain insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Case Studies and Practice: Work through case studies with guidance from a VC mentor, gaining hands-on experience in the VC evaluation process. Fellows will select a case study to analyze independently, receiving feedback from experienced VCs.
• Company Analysis Project: Each fellow will conduct an in-depth analysis of a selected company, culminating in a presentation with feedback from VC mentors.
• Portfolio Building: Completed investment memos and decks will be compiled into an open-source work portfolio, published on the BCBA website for visibility and client engagement.

Part 2: Client Sourcing and Engagement (April to June)

• VC Relationship Building: Proactively engage VCs to expand BCBA’s network, providing mutual benefits for BCBA and students by facilitating industry connections.
• Client Engagement Strategy: Fellows will help develop and implement client outreach strategies to grow BCBA’s client base, ensuring a flexible team structure that allows rapid response to client needs.
• Outreach and Connections: Identify and connect with potential VC firms as potential clients to pitch BCBA’s value and services. Fellows may conduct landscape analyses or evaluate deals based on their specific areas of expertise.
• Leverage Domain Expertise: Assign fellows with domain expertise (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, oncology) to projects aligned with their background, delivering highly relevant, specialized insights for VC clients.
• Resume Booklet and Referrals: High-performing fellows will be included in a resume booklet, which will be shared with VC firms to support summer internship and full-time position recruitment.

What You Will Gain:

• Comprehensive Venture Capital Training: In-depth training focused on biotech venture capital, including networking opportunities with BCBA’s VC leadership and board members, and hands-on experience in VC diligence work such as market analysis, competitive landscaping, and case study analysis.
• Professional Networking and Communication Development: Strengthen your professional network and communication skills through client interactions, stakeholder interviews, teamwork, and engagement with BCBA leadership.
• Connections with Leading Biotech VC Firms: Build relationships with top venture capital firms in the biotech sector, expanding your industry connections.
• Career-Advancing Skills: Acquire skills to make you highly competitive for careers in entrepreneurship, consulting, venture capital, and business development.
• Meal Reimbursement: Reimbursement for meals during team meetings.

To Apply: Please submit this Google form by Jan, 10th, 2025. invitations for interviews will be sent out on a rolling basis. 

More information about BCBA can be found here. Please reach out to info@biotechconnectionbay.org if you have any questions!