2025 Cohort Applications Are Open
We've recently expanded our eligibility criteria! Check out our FAQ below to see if you qualify.
Applications are due 11:59 PM, Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Wondering if you're a good fit for Desai?
This short quiz can help you determine if Desai is right for you.
Join the Desai Community!
We look for early-stage companies founded by upcoming or recent University of Michigan - Ann Arbor graduates. We prefer companies with demonstrated product-building capability, market validation, and an exceptional team dynamic with the ability to execute quickly.
THE PROGRAM
While participating in our seven month program, startups receive funding, tailored mentorship, hands-on training, national visibility, and many key resources to help them achieve rapid growth – including free access to a 10-intern talent pool. The program runs May-December. Read more about our program here.
CONFIRM ELIGIBILITY
- Teams must have at least one founder who graduated from the University of Michigan.
- Founders will work full-time on the startup for the duration of the program from May-December.
THE APPLICATION
Applications for the 2025 cohort are due 12:00AM, Sunday, January 12, 2025.
FAQs
HOW FAR ALONG DO WE HAVE TO BE TO APPLY?
You should have completed customer discovery, have a working MVP or beta version of your product, early customer traction, and market validation.
DO I NEED A BUSINESS PLAN?
You will not need to supply a business plan as part of the application process, however be prepared to answer relevant questions if asked for an interview.
DO YOU INVEST IN SINGLE FOUNDERS OR TEAMS OF CO-FOUNDERS?
It is challenging to create a scalable startup alone, so we strongly encourage well-rounded teams of at least two co-founders with a cross-disciplinary range of skills.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHICH COMPANIES TO ACCEPT?
We review applications with a thorough due diligence process. Some questions we may ask while reviewing applications are:
How big is the idea? How unique is it?
Have you demonstrated commercial proof/early market validation?
Is at least one co-founder devoted full time to your venture's success?
- Is your team diverse, open-minded, coachable, and execution-oriented?
DO I NEED TO BE AN ALUMNUS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN - ANN ARBOR TO APPLY?
Yes, one of the founders must be an alum or upcoming graduate of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor to apply.
I AM A CURRENT STUDENT, CAN I APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM?
Founders must be devoted full time to the venture, during and beyond the 7-month program. If the founders will be graduating before the start of the May 2025 program, we encourage you to apply. If not, there are a lot of great resources through the University of Michigan for student entrepreneurs like the Zell Lurie Institute.
