Compare · checked on 31 October 2026
Ultra Venture Fellowship vs Young Founders Lab
Both programs help high school students start a company online.
Young Founders Lab runs a 3-week group summer program, a self-paced individual program and pitch-competition prep. The Ultra Venture Fellowship is 7 weeks of weekly 1-on-1 mentorship from a founder who built a venture-backed company, with an accountability coach. Two Ultra alumni got into Y Combinator while in high school.
Side by side
| Ultra Venture Fellowship | Young Founders Lab |
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| Format | 7 weeks, 1-on-1, fully remote | Group summer program: 3 hours a day for 3 weeks. Individual program: 6–8 hours a week, rolling start. Pitch prep: 8–10 hours a week, November to January. |
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| Mentor | A founder who built a venture-backed company, every week, plus an accountability coach with daily check-ins | Mentors and instructors. The group program is team-based. |
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| Focus | Build a business that people use and pay for | A startup or a nonprofit, a demo day and pitch competitions |
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| Results shown | Two alumni into Y Combinator W26 (Economic Times). An alumnus accepted to FR8. Over $1M raised in investment and grants by the last cohort. | An alumni survey says alumni were "4x more likely" to get into an Ivy League school or Stanford. |
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| Who can join | Any high school student, in any grade | Grades 9–12 |
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| Price | Shown in the application. Need-based aid is available. | Not on its FAQ page. Third-party listings give about $3,490–$3,990. |
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| Start dates | Winter (December 2027), summer (May and July) or a custom start during the school term | Two summer group sessions. The individual program starts any time. |
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Facts about Young Founders Lab 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 Young Founders Lab if you want a short group program, a nonprofit track or coaching for a pitch competition.
- Choose the Ultra Venture Fellowship if you already have an idea or an early company and want a founder mentor every week for 7 weeks.
Questions
Do I need a startup idea for the Ultra Venture Fellowship?
An idea or project helps, but it is not required. Ultra also accepts founders who are still exploring.
Is the Ultra Venture Fellowship online?
Yes. It is fully remote. You meet your mentor and coach online.
Have Ultra alumni raised money?
Yes. Alumni of the last cohort obtained over $1M in investment and grants, and two alumni were accepted into Y Combinator W26.
Apply to the Ultra Venture Fellowship
Free to apply. Fully remote. Need-based financial aid is available.
Start your application →
Sources: Young Founders Lab FAQ · Young Founders Lab home page · Immerse Education listing (third-party price) · Economic Times on the YC W26 founders