Cactus Academy by Cactus Capital - Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Join the team.
Become an investor.

Cactus Academy is the analyst training program at Cactus Capital - Ben-Gurion University's venture capital fund. The only fund in Israel that is entirely student-run, investing in startups founded by students and recent graduates of the university.

Register for early access and get notified when applications open!

Cactus Academy

Join Our Early Access List

Get notified via email when official applications open!

About the Course

A unique, hands-on course teaching everything you need to know to become a venture capital investor.

Throughout the journey, you'll meet leading figures from Israel's high-tech, entrepreneurship, and venture capital ecosystems. This course takes place at the university - but it's unlike any other course in your curriculum.

Quick Facts

Semester-long course taking place during Spring semester

Selection process takes place during Fall semester

Free - no tuition and no academic credit

We're looking for the best students at Ben-Gurion University

Hands-on practical course - learn from senior professionals in high-tech and venture capital

Open to all students - from all faculties and all degree levels

Who Is This For?

Curious students from all faculties (and all degree levels) seeking a genuine connection to the world of entrepreneurship and investment.

Timeline

Important dates for the application process and course

Early Access Registration

Register for early access to get notified when official applications open

Open Now

Applications Open

Submit application forms

Will be announced on this page

Selection & Interviews

Homework assignment and Zoom interview

During Fall semester

Course Begins

Cactus Academy course launch

Spring semester
Info Webinar

Want to learn more about the course?

Join our Zoom webinar where we'll share more details and answer all your questions

Course Syllabus

12 in-depth sessions divided into three parts - all taught by senior industry professionals

Part A - Introduction to Tech Entrepreneurship

1

Welcome to Cactus Academy

Course introduction, getting to know Cactus Capital and types of startup companies

2

Entrepreneurship 101

Israeli entrepreneur story, entrepreneurship in Israel 2026, team building, startup maturation, pivots, building a tech product, and group work on starting a company from an idea

3

From Idea to Product

Product assumptions, Kickoff document, validation process, validation metrics and methods, and group work from idea to product

4

The Pitch

Building the perfect pitch, do's and don'ts, and pitch evaluation

Part B - Become Venture Capitalists

5

Follow the Money

Introduction to VC investments, types of investors, VC business model and the future of the field

6

Investor Entrepreneur Relationship

Open conversation between an investor and entrepreneur about their relationship dynamics

7

VC Legal

Stocks and options, legal rights, founders' agreements, Term Sheet, due diligence and contracts

8

Verticals in Venture Capital

Different verticals in venture capital - concepts, uniqueness and opportunities

Part C - Who Wants to be an Analyst

9

Analysis 101

The analyst's role at Cactus Capital, challenges of startup analysis, and analyzing team, product, market, competition and business model

10

Deal Flow

Market, team and competition analysis, Deal Flow process, a day in an analyst's life and due diligence

11

A Case Study

Conducting complex analysis based on real data

12

Cactus Capital and an Investment Committee

About Cactus Capital, students investing in students, the student entrepreneur, the analyst's role and full simulation of an investment committee

Course Scope

12
Weekly sessions
~4
Hours per week in class
~4
Hours of independent work

Early Access Registration

Register for early access and get notified via email when official applications open!

After registration, we'll get back to you with an update on when official applications open

FAQ

Everything you wanted to know about the course

Students of Ben-Gurion University with at least one year of studies remaining.
About 8 hours per week during the Spring semester: ~4 hours in class and ~4 hours of practice and preparation for the next session.
No. We require curiosity, commitment, and motivation to learn and progress.
The course is free and does not grant academic credit.
On the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev campus. Full details will be sent to registrants.
The course is conducted in Hebrew. Occasionally there may be guest lecturers or materials in English, so high-level English is required.
Fill out the application form, qualified candidates will receive a homework assignment, followed by a Zoom interview invitation.
High attendance is important. It's recommended to coordinate in advance and catch up on material according to team guidelines.
Practical tools for analyzing startups, connections with industry leaders, and a strong position to continue as an investor early in your career.
Outstanding students (about half of the course participants) will continue for an internship year as analysts at Cactus Capital fund.
Yes - as long as you can meet the weekly time commitment and required attendance.
Absolutely. We recommend mentioning relevant experience you've gained since your previous application.

Have More Questions?

We're happy to help and answer any question

Send Us an Email

hello@cactus.capital