The Mayfield Fellows Program (MFP) at Stanford University is a distinguished nine-month work/study initiative designed to immerse a select cohort of 12 undergraduate and co-terminal students in the dynamic world of high-growth technology ventures. Established in 1996, MFP has consistently provided participants with a comprehensive blend of academic instruction, practical experience, and mentorship, cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.
MFP is structured to offer fellows an unparalleled immersion into entrepreneurial excellence, combining rigorous coursework, hands-on internships, and direct engagement with industry pioneers. The program's design ensures that students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world settings, fostering a holistic understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The MFP curriculum is meticulously crafted to provide a holistic understanding of technology venture leadership, encompassing three sequential phases:
Spring Quarter (ENGR 140A: Leadership of Technology Ventures): This initial phase focuses on foundational aspects of managing technology-intensive startups. Fellows explore topics such as product and market strategy, venture financing, team recruitment, organizational culture, growth management, and ethical decision-making. The course is designed to equip students with the essential skills required to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurial leadership.
Summer Quarter (ENGR 140B: Leadership of Technology Ventures + Paid Internship): During the summer, fellows engage in paid internships with emerging technology startups. This hands-on experience allows them to apply their academic learnings in real-world settings, tackling challenges and contributing to innovative projects. Each fellow is paired with a senior-level mentor within their host organization, ensuring personalized guidance and fostering professional growth. Stanford Technology Ventures Program
Autumn Quarter (ENGR 140C: Leadership of Technology Ventures): The program culminates with a reflective phase where fellows analyze their internship experiences, develop case studies, and present their insights. This component emphasizes peer-to-peer learning, encouraging fellows to share diverse perspectives and lessons learned, thereby enriching the collective knowledge of the cohort.
The program is co-led by esteemed figures in the entrepreneurial ecosystem:
Tom Byers: A professor at Stanford University, Byers specializes in entrepreneurship and technology management. He has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum to ensure it addresses the evolving challenges of tech ventures. Stanford Technology Ventures Program
Ann Miura-Ko: Co-founding partner at Floodgate, a venture capital firm, Miura-Ko brings invaluable industry insights to the program. Her experience as an investor and entrepreneur enriches the learning experience, providing fellows with a nuanced understanding of startup dynamics.
Each year 12 students are selected to participate in this nine-month program, combining a sequence of courses, mentoring and networking activities, and a paid internship at a Silicon Valley startup.
The students enter a program that covers marketing, strategy, finance, ethics and leadership. The student Fellows are later introduced to various VC firms' portfolio companies for a summer internship. [1]
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