How to Apply to Become a Seed Coach

Explore below to learn more about the process of applying to become a Seed coach.

Eligibility

Minimum qualifications include:

  • At least 10 years of professional business experience, including several years of hands-on management in senior-level positions
  • Demonstrated success in managing companies or significant operational divisions that had aggressive goals
  • A successful track record of conceiving and executing strategies to grow businesses rapidly or to create new products and services that underlie new businesses
  • A high level of adaptability, team orientation, collaborative focus, and a demonstration of having thrived in new contexts
  • Passion for and commitment to Seed’s mission
  • Fluency in English; for Seed West Africa, conversational proficiency in French is desired but not required

Applicants do not have to be affiliated with Stanford or have an MBA in order to apply. Experience working or living in an emerging market is highly valued, but not required.

Application Deadline & Process

The application for the 2025 program is currently closed. All placements will be confirmed by 1 July. The program lasts for one year from January through December 2025. Details for the 2026 program will be available later in 2024.

In the meantime, you can sign up for an information session to learn more about the program or join our mailing list.

A committee will assess completed applications as they are received. The selection process involves three rounds of interviews over the phone or video conference with Seed staff.

Application Requirements

The application takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. It requires personal and professional information, including the following:

  • Basic personal information
  • Written response to several short-answer questions
  • Resume (upload as a PDF)
  • 250-word professional biography

After the final round of the selection process, we will also request two to three references.

Benefits

Seed coaches are provided with the following benefits:

  • Round-trip economy airfare to and from the assigned region
  • Housing for the duration of the assignment
  • Living stipend for day-to-day expenses
  • Settling-in allowance
  • In-country support from Seed program staff
  • International health insurance and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Transportation and lodging when visiting portfolio companies

These benefits are designed to cover basic costs associated with participation in the program. Depending on personal spending habits and desired quality of life, coaches may need to budget additional funds.

Online Application

When the application re-opens for the 2026 program, it will be available online.

Contact

Assistant Director, Coaching Program, Stanford Seed