Compare · checked on 31 October 2026
Ultra Venture Fellowship vs LaunchX
Both programs help high school students build a startup.
LaunchX runs team-based programs online for 5 weeks or in person in Ann Arbor for 4 weeks. The Ultra Venture Fellowship is 7 weeks online, built around your own company, with a weekly 1-on-1 founder mentor and an accountability coach.
Side by side
| Ultra Venture Fellowship | LaunchX |
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| Format | 7 weeks, fully remote, 1-on-1 | Online BootCamp. Entrepreneurship Program: 5 weeks online or 4 weeks in Ann Arbor, Michigan. |
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| Team or solo | Your own company, alone or with your co-founders | A new startup with a team from around the world |
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| Mentor | A founder who built a venture-backed company, every week, plus an accountability coach | Not described in detail on its home page. An alumnus says his team was guided by staff and interns. |
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| Results shown | Two alumni into Y Combinator W26 (Economic Times). Over $1M raised in investment and grants by the last cohort. | 190+ alumni ventures with a combined value of $20B+, including Zepto |
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| Price | Shown in the application. Need-based aid is available. | Not on its home page. Third-party listings give about $1,995–$6,495 online. |
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| Start dates | Winter (December 2027), summer (May and July) or a custom start during the school term | Summer 2027 programs. Applications are open. |
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Facts about LaunchX come from its own website on 31 October 2026, unless a row says "third-party". Programs change, so check each program's site before you decide.
Which one fits you
- Choose LaunchX if you want to start a new idea with a team, or you want an in-person summer program.
- Choose the Ultra Venture Fellowship if you want to grow your own company with a founder mentor every week, from home, at a time that suits you.
Questions
Is the Ultra Venture Fellowship a summer program?
It runs in the summer and at other times. There are two summer cohorts: the first starts in May and the second starts in July. There is also a December cohort and a custom start during the school term.
Can I join Ultra with my co-founder?
Yes. Say in your written answers that you are applying with someone else, and give their name.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Need-based aid is available. You see the program details and the aid option when you apply.
Apply to the Ultra Venture Fellowship
Free to apply. Fully remote. Need-based financial aid is available.
Start your application →
Sources: LaunchX home page · TeenLife listing (third-party price) · Economic Times on the YC W26 founders