The Berkeley Gateway Accelerator is Berkeley's first dedicated deep tech community hub, providing world-class resources and talent for deep tech founders working across advanced materials, robotics, synthetic biology, clean energy, and beyond. We transform breakthrough technologies from UC Berkeley and global founders into enduring companies by building a community of exceptional talent, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic capital.

About the Fellowship:

We are seeking three Entrepreneurial Fellows to join our team for a 5-month fellowship that supports a cohort of deep-tech startups through our accelerator program. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you will work directly with founders to help make their companies investable and market-ready.

Fellows will work at the intersection of business, technology, and law, conducting technology landscape analyses, intellectual property research, competitive assessments, regulatory reviews, and commercialization strategies. You will be embedded with our startups, helping them with everything from pitch deck development to customer discovery to investor introductions.

This fellowship is ideal for T-shaped individuals with depth in one domain and the curiosity and capability to work across disciplines. You don't need to be a domain expert in every technology area—you need to be a fast learner who isn't afraid to dive into unfamiliar territory.

Responsibilities Include:

1.Technology & Competitive Analysis:

Analyze competing technologies and assess performance attributes relative to portfolio company technologies
Map the landscape of organizations (startups, corporations, universities, research institutes) developing related technologies
Assess how crowded or open various technology spaces are
Synthesize findings into actionable insights for founders

2. Intellectual Property Research:

Conduct patent landscape analysis to understand who holds IP in relevant technology areas
Identify how competitors are building and protecting their technologies
Assess freedom to operate and identify potential IP risks and opportunities
Support IP strategy development for portfolio companies

3. Commercialization & Business Development:

Conduct customer discovery interviews to validate market opportunities
Support customer acquisition efforts and pilot partnerships
Identify and engage potential corporate partners for MOUs, LOIs, or strategic relationships
Research and map relevant investors focused on portfolio company sectors
Facilitate introductions between founders and investors, customers, and partners

4. Startup Support:

Help develop and refine pitch decks and investor materials
Support pitch practice and presentation coaching
Create dossiers of materials that make startups investable
Do whatever it takes to help founders succeed—no task too big or too small

Who You Are:

A T-shaped individual with experience or training at the intersection of business, technology, and law
A graduate of (or current student in) engineering, law, business, or a related field—ideally with exposure to multiple disciplines
Comfortable analyzing complex technologies even without prior domain expertise
Outgoing and not afraid to reach out to strangers—investors, customers, corporate partners, experts
A fast learner who thrives in ambiguity and can quickly get up to speed on new industries and technologies
Resourceful and scrappy—you figure things out and get things done
Passionate about deep tech and helping founders commercialize breakthrough innovations

Fellowship Details:

Duration: 5 months
Compensation: Stipend-based
Location: Berkeley, CA (in-person)
Start Date: February, 2026

Venture Capital Careers

Entrepreneurial Fellow