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Center for Venture Education Press Release |
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Kauffman Fellows Program Selects Largest and Most Diverse Class in Its History for Coveted VC Training Program; Fellows Class 9 Mirrors Growing Globalization of Venture Capital SHAWNEE MISSION, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2004--The Kauffman Fellows Program at the Center for Venture Education -- the only formal postgraduate venture capital education program of its kind in the world -- today announced the 9th Class of Kauffman Fellows. Consisting of 14 Fellows, this is the largest class in the program's 10-year history. The 14 individuals were chosen from a candidate pool of nearly 200 representing over 20 countries. This class includes entrepreneurs and professionals in the life sciences and technology fields. The new class is almost twice as large as last year's group and substantially more diverse in terms of background and expertise. Erich Schlick, director, and head of healthcare sector for 3i in Germany, one of the new members of Fellows Class 9, will serve as the first full-time international Fellow in the history of the program. Previously, in Fellows Class 8, Christiana Goh Bardon at MPM Capital and Helen Wong, at Granite Global Ventures, served their fellowships both in the U.S. as well as in Germany and Asia respectively. Trish Costello, CEO of the Center for Venture Education, said the new class underscores the increasingly global nature of venture capital in the 21st century and the need for more diversified backgrounds and expertise. "Over the past 10 years, a pool of top caliber individuals has come through our program," Costello said. "Over 50% of the Kauffman Fellows graduates, including the latest graduating class, have attained partner positions in their firms, but the newest class nonetheless represents a true inflection point. Fellows Class 9 reflects the changing landscape in VC and the growing importance of a formal VC education program," stated Costello. "The nature of the venture capital industry evolves over time, and our newest class represents the growing need for venture professionals with deep domain expertise, successful operating experience and an accelerated learning process combined with the increasing global focus of the industry." Kauffman Fellows receive rigorous preparation for leadership in the venture capital industry through a two-year accelerated education program utilizing the sponsoring venture capital firm as a learning laboratory. Mentoring by seasoned VC leaders and a strongly networked Fellows' cohort contributes substantially to the Fellows' success. Fellows Class 9 will begin their two-year education program this month. Eight will work in the life sciences field and six in technology. With an average of 11 years of operating experience, and a combination of 18 graduate degrees, Fellows 9 will build upon their knowledge and expertise during the Fellowship to develop and enhance their practice of venture building. For more information on Fellows Class 9 visit www.kauffmanfellows.org under the Program Offering: Kauffman Fellowship tab scroll down to "Kauffman Fellows Class 9 Announced" and access the Fellows' biographies. The Kauffman Fellows Class 9 -- Venture Firms -- Mentors
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