Thrive Capital, a premier investment firm renowned for building and investing in transformative technology companies across sectors, stages, and geographies, is proud to announce the Thrive Capital Summer Fellowship 2026. This selective program offers college students a unique opportunity to gain deep exposure to the inner workings of a top-tier venture capital firm while receiving mentorship, practical experience, and financial support for their academic journey.

Since its founding, Thrive Capital has been at the forefront of innovation, contributing to the growth of some of the most influential technology companies globally, including OpenAI, Stripe, Cursor, Ramp, Instagram, Spotify, GitHub, SKIMS, Databricks, and Anduril. The firm emphasizes people and ideas, focusing on identifying founders with ambitious visions and providing them with the tools, resources, and strategic guidance to achieve extraordinary impact.

About Thrive Capital

Thrive Capital operates on a simple yet profound philosophy: investing in people first and ideas second. The firm seeks to be the most meaningful partner to its founders, leveraging cross-functional expertise to support portfolio companies in product development, market strategy, scaling operations, talent acquisition, and more. Thrive’s culture is characterized by intellectual curiosity, integrity, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

The firm’s success is rooted in deep engagement with founders and startups, ensuring that its influence is felt across every facet of the companies it supports. Thrive Capital is not simply a financial backer; it is a strategic partner, mentor, and advocate, driving meaningful impact in the technology ecosystem.

Thrive Fellowship Overview

The Thrive Fellowship is a cornerstone initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of founders, investors, technologists, and researchers. By providing a hands-on, immersive experience at a leading venture capital firm, the Fellowship prepares students to navigate complex challenges in the tech industry while developing professional skills, networks, and personal growth.

This fellowship is highly selective and provides college students with a 10-week, full-time, in-person internship at Thrive Capital’s New York office during the summer of 2026. Fellows will work closely with a specific team within the firm, contributing to live projects, engaging in strategy sessions, and participating in structured learning and mentorship programs.

Key Features of the Thrive Fellowship

1. Immersive Learning Experience
   Fellows are deeply embedded in Thrive Capital’s operations, gaining exposure to multiple aspects of venture investing, technology evaluation, market research, and operational support. This level of engagement allows students to learn from real-world challenges and strategic decision-making.
2. Mentorship and Professional Development
   Each fellow is paired with Thrive Capital team members who provide ongoing mentorship throughout the summer. Fellows receive guidance on technical skills, professional communication, problem-solving, and career development. This mentorship ensures that fellows are supported both in their immediate contributions and long-term career trajectory.
3. Financial Support
   The Thrive Fellowship provides a $40,000 grant to offset educational expenses, as well as a paid internship salary annualized at $100,000, covering the full 10-week duration. This financial support underscores Thrive’s commitment to enabling talented students to participate without economic constraints.
4. Professional Networking Opportunities
   Fellows are invited to participate in curated events and workshops, offering networking opportunities with portfolio company founders, Thrive Capital investors, and other fellows. These events foster community, collaboration, and exposure to diverse perspectives in technology and venture capital.
5. Real Impact
   Fellows are not observers; they contribute meaningfully to the firm’s initiatives. Their work has direct impact on investment decisions, portfolio support, and strategic projects, ensuring that fellows gain confidence, experience, and tangible accomplishments to include in their professional portfolio.

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Eligibility Criteria

The Thrive Capital Summer Fellowship 2026 is open to current college students who meet the following criteria:

• Academic Standing: Must be a freshman, sophomore, or junior at an accredited college or university in the United States.
• Work Authorization: Must have valid U.S. work authorization for the duration of the internship.
• Interest in Technology: Demonstrated strong interest in technology, startups, venture capital, or research in related areas.
• Professional and Ethical Standards: Candidates should demonstrate ethical behavior, honesty, and integrity, earning trust and maintaining confidence over time. Fellows are expected to do what is right, not just what is expedient, and uphold Thrive Capital’s values in all interactions.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Ability to engage and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, showing high emotional intelligence and adaptability in professional contexts.

The selection process prioritizes individuals who show exceptional intellectual curiosity, initiative, and collaboration skills, along with a strong desire to learn from experienced investors and technologists.

Fellowship Timeline

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
• Interviews Begin: December 2025
• Fellows Selected: February 2026
• Fellowship Start Date: Summer 2026 (full-time, approximately 10 weeks, based in New York)

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early and ensure all required materials, such as resumes, academic transcripts, and personal statements, are complete and accurate.

Application Process

The Thrive Fellowship application is designed to evaluate candidates on intellectual ability, leadership potential, technical skills, and cultural fit. The process includes:

1. Online Application Submission
   Candidates submit an application including academic records, resume, and personal statement explaining interest in technology, venture capital, and the fellowship.
2. Assessment of Qualifications
   Applications are carefully reviewed to evaluate the candidate’s experience, interest, and potential contribution to the Thrive team.
3. Interviews
   Selected candidates participate in multiple rounds of interviews with Thrive team members, including technical discussions, behavioral interviews, and situational problem-solving exercises.
4. Final Selection
   Top candidates are notified and offered positions as Thrive Fellows, with onboarding information and pre-fellowship guidance provided before the start date.

What Fellows Can Expect

Fellows gain exposure to the inner workings of a leading venture capital firm, participating in tasks and projects such as:

• Conducting market research and analysis for potential investments
• Evaluating startup companies and emerging technologies
• Assisting portfolio companies with strategic initiatives
• Participating in internal strategy meetings and investment discussions
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to address operational challenges

Through these experiences, fellows develop a deep understanding of venture capital, business strategy, and technology trends, while also building critical professional skills such as communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.

Thrive Capital’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Thrive Capital values diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. The fellowship encourages applications from students of all disciplines, identities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, provided they meet eligibility requirements. The program emphasizes inclusion, collaboration, and equitable access to professional opportunities in technology and venture capital.

Alumni Impact

Previous Thrive Fellows have gone on to pursue careers in venture capital, technology startups, research, entrepreneurship, and consulting. The fellowship has a long-standing tradition of cultivating leaders who drive innovation, launch successful ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the technology ecosystem.

Alumni highlight the following benefits:

• Exposure to high-level decision-making in technology and venture capital
• Mentorship from experienced investors and technologists
• Practical, hands-on experience in evaluating and supporting startups
• Development of professional networks that extend across industries and geographies

Why Apply to Thrive Fellowship

The Thrive Fellowship offers a unique combination of professional growth, mentorship, financial support, and real-world impact. Unlike traditional internships, the fellowship integrates deep engagement with senior investors, providing intellectual challenges and exposure to high-stakes business decisions.

Fellows not only gain skills and knowledge but also contribute meaningfully to the firm’s work, building a foundation for future leadership in technology and investment.

Benefits Summary

• Paid 10-week summer internship in New York
• $40,000 grant to support education costs
• Professional mentorship from Thrive team members
• Exposure to portfolio companies and high-impact projects
• Participation in curated fellow events and networking opportunities
• Development of transferable skills in technology, research, and venture capital

How to Apply

Interested students should prepare the following materials:

1. Resume or CV
2. Academic transcript (official or unofficial)
3. Personal statement detailing interest in technology, venture capital, and personal goals
4. Letters of recommendation (optional, if required)

All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2025. Interviews will begin in December, with final selections announced in February 2026. Fellows will begin their full-time summer experience in June 2026.

For application access and additional program details, please visit [Thrive Capital Fellowship Portal] (insert official application link).

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Conclusion

The Thrive Capital Summer Fellowship 2026 represents an extraordinary opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the technology and venture capital sectors, gain mentorship from leading investors, and receive substantial financial support for their academic journey. By blending hands-on experience with professional guidance, the fellowship prepares the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the global technology ecosystem.

If you are passionate about technology, driven to learn, and eager to contribute to transformative projects, the Thrive Fellowship provides an unparalleled platform to develop your skills, expand your network, and make a lasting impact.

Apply now to join a cohort of exceptional students shaping the future of technology and investment

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