Our Masterclasses

Our masterclasses are designed to unlock your full potential and take your venture career to the next level. Tailored for professionals at all stages, these courses combine expert-led sessions with real-world application, providing you with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact.

Masterclass I

Advanced Investing: Digging deep with efficiency

No one has time to read all 14 slides. The real skill? Flipping through a deck just enough to form an opinion. This module will teach you how to extract just the right amount of insight before you say, “We’re still processing the information.”

The ‘This slide looks off’ manoeuvre: A vague gesture paired with a furrowed brow as you say, “I’d love to see this broken down further.”
The competitor matrix rule: If they haven’t gone to the trouble of charting themselves at the top of the quadrant, you can comfortably say, “Let’s revisit when you’ve refined your positioning,” and bounce.
The one-number focus: ARR? CAC? Burn rate? Pick one metric. It shows deep focus, signals expertise and efficiency. Plus, if you push hard enough on a single number, founders will start questioning their own model – and that’s when you really get the upper hand.
Drawing parallels between the product and your personal life: How to confidently compare a SaaS platform to your favourite childhood game demonstrating abstract thinking skills, even if it makes no logical sense.
Who else is in? A simple question that can save you tons of time and effort. Diving into an investment target requires resources that others may have already invested. Leverage that to your advantage and avoid reinventing the wheel.
Assessing a potential investment: The balance between optimism and pragmatism is key. Be optimistic enough to take the credit if things go well, but cautious enough that you won’t be held liable if things don’t work out, all while maintaining the image of a team player.

Masterclass II

Financials are no fun. Not to worry: VC math is based on everything except actual math. In this module, you’ll learn how to justify any valuation, make projections feel credible, and turn rough estimates into hard numbers – by using your gut and a healthy dose of confidence.

Cap tables: By the time a startup reaches seed, their cap table already includes a dozen angels, their entire family, and their barista. That’s just too many rows and columns, and way too many names and numbers. Turn drafting variations of the post-round cap table into a fun learning experience for your interns!
The “It's just a timing thing”: "Oh, they’ll be cash-positive in a few months. Just wait.”. Pair it with a knowing smile and a shrug to imply inside knowledge of a future financial miracle.
Financial models: Feel free to tweak assumptions to any scenario. Then, in deep dives, unleash hyper-specific questions on the one detail founders definitely skipped. Watch them sweat while you nod knowingly.

Finance: Numbers don’t lie, but they do stretch

Masterclass III

People love to joke about Patagonia vests, Loro Piana loafers and Submariners – for good reason. Because true VCs are not only defined by their wardrobe; it’s all about how they carry themselves. In this essential module, you’ll master the nonverbal cues that separate industry pros from first-time tourists.

The thoughtful nod: Conveys deep, borderline-philosophical engagement. Perfect for hiding the fact you’re daydreaming about post-pitch dinner plans.
The ‘Tell me more’ head tilt: Because curiosity is key, even when you have no idea what they’re talking about.
The subtle lean-in: Right before you ask a question about their business model. Looks intense, doesn’t require much actual effort.
The strategic pause: Let founders sweat for a second before you say, “Interesting.”
The ‘Silent but calculated’ chin stroke: A light brush of your fingertips across your chin. Think wise martial arts master meets finance guru.
The intentional eyebrow raise: Equal parts skepticism and intrigue. Founders will scramble to justify whatever they just said, giving you maximum perceived influence.

The art of looking the part

Masterclass IV

We’ll break down leadership into its core elements: giving just enough direction, claiming just enough credit, and ensuring everyone feels like they’re growing. Even if the actual tasks aren’t always thrilling. Because what’s leadership if not the ability to inspire from a safe distance?

Feedback: Emphasise self-reflection. Nod sagely and say, “Why don’t you figure it out first?” Subtext: You’re busy, and they’ll learn independence faster this way.
Streamlining deal credit assignment: Officially, the credit goes to the most senior name on the project. It’s “cleaner” and “just simpler for our narrative.”. Keeps the org chart crystal clear. Plus, it short-circuits those pesky debates about who did what.
Interns – unlocking hidden talents: They’re eager, ambitious, and ready to learn. Give them responsibility early, and they’ll surprise you. Nothing builds character like sifting through a data room at 2 a.m., sharpen their tech skills with an impromptu WiFi troubleshooting test. And if they’re really ready, have them manage a more complex project – like your relocation to a more fiscally advantageous country.
Clear timelines: Establish that “quickly” is a perfectly reasonable deadline for any task. If your team is sharp, resourceful, and truly committed, they’ll make it happen.
Tracking performance: Data is important, but as a leader, you need a clear KPI to measure success. The most reliable one? Your own level of happiness.

Leadership: A symphony of inspiration and delegation

Masterclass V

This one is tricky. You want to appear available (it probably says so in your mission statement). But you also need to subtly reinforce the hierarchy. You will learn how to balance both.

Time as a proxy for leverage: Your calendar isn’t just a schedule – it’s a statement. The rarer your availability, the more prepared (and possibly desperate) people are when they finally get a slot.
Scheduling gymnastics: Double-booking is for amateurs. Triple-book everything, then swoop in at the last minute to the most interesting meeting. For the rest? A well-placed “Let’s circle back” keeps the door open – without committing to actually walking through it.
“We’ll talk it over”: Every day brings new decisions. Distributing responsibility is essential and minimises your liability. Plus, this approach turns every decision into a group experience and a bonding moment for your team.
The strategic delay: Slack messages, emails, WhatsApps – instant replies are for people with nothing better to do. Let them wait. Anticipation builds appreciation.
Bonus session – voice notes: A true time saver. If they can’t follow your train of thought through background noise, interruptions, and an occasional side rant, they’re simply not cut out for bigger things.

Time Management: Mastering selective availability

Masterclass VI

Vibe Investing

You’ll uncover the elusive art of investing purely on “the vibe”. No boring spreadsheets, no tedious valuations, just your finely tuned inner compass and a curated lo-fi playlist. By the end, you’ll be throwing out terms like “energy synergy” and “mood-based due diligence” while still managing to keep a straight face.

The curated chill-out playlist: The gentle background soundtrack that sets the mood for big decisions. Think airy synths, not thrashing metal.
The scented signature: A spritz of essential oils or that artisanal candle you discovered in Bali, applied moments before you enter a pitch meeting.
The deliberate sigh: Exudes a sense of calm authority and hints at your existential depth. Bonus: founders will assume you’ve got ten other deals lined up.
The metaphysical term sheet: An offer so nebulous it requires trust in intangible forces rather than bullet points.

Being yourself is simple.

Being a VC takes practice.

Welcome to The Venture Academy!

Your journey to excellence starts here.

At The Venture Academy, we elevate investors at every stage – from emerging VCs to seasoned managers. Through shared knowledge, real-world insights, and the power of community, we learn from each other and leading experts alike.