Early-stage founders building ambitious solutions to difficult global problems can now apply for Batch 37 of The 500 Fellowship, the flagship programme from 500 Global designed to support founders at the earliest stages of company building.
The four-month programme takes place in San Francisco, bringing together founders, experienced operator-investors, alumni and venture capital networks. Rather than following a traditional lecture-based accelerator model, the Fellowship focuses on practical company building, direct mentorship and addressing the most important risks facing an emerging startup.
Selected founders can receive up to $50,000 upfront, with a potential path to more than $1 million in subsequent funding. The programme also provides access to a global network that can support founders as they develop their companies, refine their strategies and pursue growth.
Applications for 500 Global Batch 37 are currently open, with the deadline set for October 2, 2026.
What Is The 500 Fellowship?
The 500 Fellowship is positioned as a flagship programme for early-stage builders solving hard global problems. It is designed for founders who may be at Day 0 or have already achieved some early traction but possess a nonobvious insight that could form the foundation of a significant company.
The four-month experience is based in San Francisco, one of the world’s major startup and venture capital ecosystems. Founders participating in the programme can work alongside other ambitious entrepreneurs while gaining exposure to experienced investors and startup operators.
The Fellowship emphasizes doing rather than simply learning through lectures. Its structure is intended to help founders make progress on the real challenges involved in building an early-stage company.
Up to $50,000 Upfront and Potential Future Funding
One of the key benefits highlighted for Batch 37 is access to up to $50,000 upfront. This can provide early-stage founders with capital to support company development as they work through the initial stages of building their ventures.
The programme also describes a potential path to $1 million or more later. However, founders should distinguish this potential future funding from the upfront amount. The information provided does not state that every participant will automatically receive $1 million.
Beyond the capital opportunity, participants can benefit from direct access to people with experience operating, investing in and scaling startups.
Mentorship From Operators, Investors and Alumni
Mentorship is a central component of The 500 Fellowship. Selected founders can receive guidance from operator-investors and programme alumni, providing access to practical experience from people who have navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and venture building.
The programme is structured around helping founders identify and address their company’s most important risks. This includes weekly group days and 1:1 sessions focused on critical risks.
Rather than providing a standardized curriculum based primarily on classroom-style instruction, the Fellowship emphasizes hands-on building and problem solving.
Access to a Global VC and Market Network
Participants also gain access to 500 Global’s global VC and market network. For early-stage companies, access to investors, potential partners and relevant markets can be an important part of developing a startup beyond its initial idea or product.
Being part of a founder and alumni community can also create opportunities for peer learning and connections with other entrepreneurs working on ambitious problems.
The San Francisco setting provides an additional opportunity for founders to engage with a major technology and venture ecosystem during the four-month programme.
Who Can Apply?
The Fellowship is aimed at Day-0 to early-traction founders. Applicants should have a nonobvious insight and be working toward solving difficult global problems.
The opportunity is therefore relevant to founders who may still be developing their company but have identified an important problem, insight or opportunity that they believe can support a scalable venture.
Applicants must also be in the United States or planning to land in the U.S. within six months.
Prospective applicants should carefully consider their stage, location and ability to participate in the San Francisco-based programme before applying.
Programme Benefits at a Glance
Selected founders can expect an intensive four-month experience built around company development and connections with the startup ecosystem.
Key benefits include:
- Up to $50,000 upfront
- Potential path to $1 million+ later
- Four months based in San Francisco
- Mentorship from operator-investors
- Guidance from 500 Global alumni
- Access to a global VC and market network
- Weekly group days
- 1:1 sessions addressing critical company risks
- Hands-on startup building instead of traditional lecture
