Announcing Cohort 14 of the RippleX Fellowship
🎉 Introducing Cohort 14
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Cohort 14 of the RippleX Fellowship, a 12-week program dedicated to cultivating the talents and ambitions of students aspiring to excel as startup founders and venture capitalists. With a rich history spanning over four years and 13 successful cohorts, the RippleX Fellowship has been instrumental in shaping the careers of over 325 alumni. Without further ado, let’s meet Cohort 14!
Divine Adekanmbi: Studying Cellular Biology at University of Alberta (Class of 2023). Enjoys cheering on the Edmonton Oilers, Manchester United, and Lionel Messi. Building CoverQuick, an AI resume and cover letter app.
Summer Deng: Studying Commerce with a Finance and Economics specialization at University of Toronto (Class of 2024). Interested in impact investing, climate tech, and voice acting. Working at Moneris as an Enterprise Risk Management Intern.
India Easton: Studying Computer Science at Spelman College (Class of 2025). Passionate about venture capital, game development, iOS mobile development, and ML applications. Working at Uber as a Software Engineering Intern. Building a music distribution application that allows users to receive quantitative feedback on their discography.
Lydia Estreed: Studying Political Science and Computer Science at University of Toronto (Class of 2024). Interested in the deeptech space, especially quantum computing. Interning at Sustainable Development Technology Canada as an Investment Analyst.
Ethan Jagoda: Studying Computer Science at UC Berkeley (Class of 2024). Excited about about AI in edtech, generative AI, NLP, and entrepreneurship. Building Scribble AI, the simplest mobile interface for non-technical consumers to create written content using generative AI across different formats, styles, and languages.
Roxanne Jiang: Studying Database Technologies at New York University (Class of 2023). Enjoys propagating plants, painting with oil and watercolor, and staying active with lifting and climbing. Building NARA, a mission-driven startup building an AI-powered roadmap for property decarbonization.
Muchiri Kahwai: Studying Data Science and Mathematics at Centre College (Class of 2024). Enjoys watching soccer, stargazing, and watching documentaries. Working at Microsoft as a Technical Product Manager Intern. Building Sirius, an edtech platform for international students.
Laurence Liang: Studying Mechanical Engineering at McGill University (Class of 2025). Interested in healthcare, robotics, and machine learning. Building Inspire, a cloud-based platform for respiratory disease diagnostics.
Liam Lytton: Studying Business Management at Langara College (Class of 2024). Passionate about education, gaming, and AI. Building Progress AI, an edtech startup that leverages AI to help propel students to success.
Marcelo Chaman Mallqui: Studying Commerce and Computer Science at Queen’s University (Class of 2026). Passionate about tech, social impact, art, and superheroes. Building Memoria, an AI-powered second-brain.
Jocelyne Murphy: Studying Systems Design Engineering at University of Waterloo (Class of 2025). Excited about tech, cities, policy, philanthropy, DEI, and design. Currently a Venture Partner with Contrary.
Yvonne Osagie: Studying Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology at University of Waterloo (Class of 2023). Enjoys listening to podcasts, working out, and exploring projects that focus on mental health, sexual assault, and exploration of various cultures. Working as the Director of Partnerships at Awake Labs.
Jesse Pound: Studying Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University (Class of 2024). Building Vunatec, a startup based in Kenya reducing post-harvest food loss of smallholder farmers through a digital marketplace and ML algorithm.
CC Song: Studying Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University (Class of 2025). Pursuing entrepreneurship, VC, and climate tech startups. Interning at Ripple Ventures as a Research Analyst.
Adyan Tanver: Studying Finance and Computer Science at Western University (Class of 2026). Interested in entrepreneurship, fitness, AI, and web3. Building Rentkeepr, a rental relationship platform.
Valeria Vazquez: Studying Psychology and Political Science at University of Toronto (Class of 2025). Passionate about environmentalism, education, and technology innovation for under-served communities. Building Ramuri, a Chrome extension that recommends alternative, more sustainable product options that are visual matches.
William Wang: Studying Computer Science at University of Waterloo (Class of 2025). Interested in musicals, fixing electronics, and urban exploration. Working at BDC as a Venture Capital Intern.
Mingchung Xia: Studying Computer Science at University of Waterloo (Class of 2027). Enjoys playing soccer and travelling. Building Eclipse, a credit space fintech startup.
📊 Cohort 14 Analysis
As we say at Ripple, DEI is in our DNA.
We take immense pride in our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the RippleX Fellowship. Each cohort targets an ethnic diversity of ~80% and a gender diversity of ~50%, reflecting our dedication to empowering individuals from underrepresented communities.
Cohort 14 proudly has a representation of 50% gender diversity and around 80% ethnic diversity. This cohort, we have a heavier founder representation, with approximately 70% of our cohort being founders and the remaining being aspiring VCs or founders. Cohort 14 also features many universities and colleges across Canada and the US, with 14 schools represented!
By providing access to resources and networks that are typically difficult to obtain as a student, we aim to level the playing field and unlock opportunities for all talented and passionate individuals.
🌊 About the RippleX Fellowship
At RippleX, our mission is to bridge the gap between academia and the startup ecosystem by providing invaluable coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities to students across North America. Through our remote program, we bring together a diverse cohort of approximately 20 fellows, creating a vibrant and collaborative community of like-minded individuals.
Throughout our 12-week program, fellows will be immersed in a comprehensive curriculum that covers the intricacies of startup building and venture capital. They will gain practical insights and hands-on experience in key areas such as market analysis, product-market fit, fundraising, due diligence, and more. Moreover, fellows will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from industry experts, successful founders, and seasoned venture capitalists.
🚀 RippleX’s Continued Impact
The impact of the RippleX Fellowship extends far beyond the program itself. Our alumni have achieved remarkable success, collectively raising over $60 million in funding from top-tier VC funds. Moreover, we have helped over 60 underserved students secure coveted roles within the venture capital industry, catalyzing positive change and expanding opportunities for underrepresented voices.
🙌 Final Words
Cohort 14 of the RippleX Fellowship represents a new chapter in our ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of startup founders and venture capitalists.
We look forward to witnessing the transformative journeys of our fellows as they embark on this exciting adventure, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and network to thrive in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and investment.
Special thanks to RBCx (our program’s flagship sponsor) for believing in our mission and enabling us to bring this fellowship to new heights!
Learn more about the program below:
Written by Isabelle Gan, Analyst at Ripple Ventures. For more information, email isabelle@rippleventures.com.
