Join the Strange Research Fellowship

The most interesting questions in AI and deep software today don't fit neatly into existing agendas. Questions like how emerging AI architectures are reshaping the fundamentals of software development, or what new forms of software are now possible. These questions sit at the intersection of technical innovation and commercial opportunity - and they're what our Strange Research Fellows explore.

Strange Ventures is an early-stage VC firm investing in AI and deep software that shape how humans and machines create, collaborate, and communicate. More about us here: strangevc.com

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Our Focus

Strange Research Fellows dive deep into the evolving landscape of AI and deep software, exploring both technical foundations and human implications. We're building a community of anthropologist-futurist-technologists who can navigate between code and culture – thinkers who can connect the dots between what's possible and what's meaningful.

Our mission is to map out disruptive inventions and identify the most promising opportunities for founders, operators, and investors. If this resonates with you, here’s what being a Strange Research Fellow involves.

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As a Strange Research Fellow, you'll:

• Conduct original investment research on the frontiers of AI and deep software.
• Join weekly mentorship and discussions with industry practitioners.
• Develop frameworks for evaluating technical innovations and their market potential.
• Publish insights that advance our collective understanding of emerging technology.
• Hone investment diligence and opportunity evaluation skills.
• Sharpen your writing through research insights and investment memos.

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Fellowship Structure

Each fellow pursues a research direction aligned with their interests and our themes. The program includes:

Weekly Schedule

• Independent research (5+ hours/week)
• 1:1 mentorship session with industry experts
• Group discussion and peer review sessions
• Investment memo workshops

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Research & Publication

• Access to our research framework and methodologies
• Editorial support for crafting compelling narratives
• Distribution through our network of founders, operators, and investors
• Opportunity to present findings

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Who We're Looking For

We're looking for two archetypes: 

1. Technical Founders/Engineers who combine deep technical knowledge with commercial instincts. You might be a machine learning engineer curious about new AI applications, or a systems architect interested in scaling patterns.
2. Product Strategists with strong technical foundations. You understand the technical architecture of modern applications and can identify how emerging technologies enable new product possibilities and experiences

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What unites both is the ability to think deeply and critically, and unearth signals others might miss.

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What We Offer

• Quarterly fellowship with a modest stipend
• Direct mentorship from leading founders, investors, and researchers
• Platform to publish research that reaches key decision-makers
• Framework for evaluating technical opportunities through a commercial lens
• Network of technical founders, operators, and investors

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Why This Matters

We're in a rare moment where emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping how software is built, deployed, and used. The fellows who join us will develop an invaluable combination of skills: the technical depth to understand what's possible, the commercial instincts to spot real opportunities, and the strategic thinking to act on them. 

• Pattern recognition across technical developments
• Frameworks for evaluating technical and market opportunities
• Network of thoughtful builders and investors
• Track record of published technical analysis

The skills you'll develop will help you navigate the future of technology, whether you're looking to join a startup, start one, or invest in the next big thing. This is about building the muscle to see both the forest (big picture) and the trees (critical details) in technological change.

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Program Details

Key Dates

Application Deadline: February 2, 2025 (Midnight PST)

Decisions Announced: February 7, 2025

Program Duration: February 17 - April 11, 2025

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Time Commitment

5+ hours/week of independent research

1-hour weekly mentor meeting

1-hour weekly group session

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Apply Now

If you're excited about understanding and writing about the future of technology, we want to hear from you. Applications close February 2, 2025.

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/strangefellow
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Can’t make these dates? We will be running the next one in the Summer, so sign up here to be notified when applications open!