We recently hosted an information evening for The Fellowship in Auckland alongside Crimson Global Academy. Robbie Paul (CEO, Icehouse Ventures CEO), Pene Barton (CEO, Crimson Global Academy), and Jamie Beaton (Founder & CEO, Crimson Education) discussed what the programme involves and what fellows can expect, followed by a Q&A with students, parents, and caregivers. 

Here is a summary of the key questions asked during the evening:  

What is this, and who is it for?

Five fully-funded scholarships are available for Year 12 students eager to combine high-achieving academics with practical entrepreneurial learning. Delivered in partnership by Icehouse Ventures and Crimson Global Academy, the programme covers both a student's final year of high school and an intensive entrepreneurship programme, at no cost to the student. The scholarship is valued at $40,000 ($30,000 tuition at Crimson Global Academy, and $10,000 equity-free startup funding). 

Do I need to have a business idea before applying?

No. Some students will develop ideas during the programme. Others may finish school, go to university, work for a few years, and start their company later. The programme is designed to equip students with the skills, connections, and support they need, wherever their entrepreneurial journey takes them.

What does Icehouse Ventures actually do?

Icehouse Ventures is New Zealand's most active venture capital firm. With $800m+ invested in a portfolio of more than 380 companies, Icehouse Ventures actively invests into privately held technology companies from pre-seed to pre-IPO, and were among the earliest investors in companies including Halter, Tracksuit, Partly, Crimson Education, Sharesies, and more. 

Should I start a business now, or go to university first?

Both paths are valid and supported. The scholarship is designed to be the start of a long-term relationship, not just a one-year programme. As Robbie Paul puts it, the philosophy is "forward investing", backing future entrepreneurs well before they start a company.

Whether you build something during school, after university, or somewhere in between, you'll have access to a network of founders, mentors, and peers who can support you along the way.

How does Crimson Global Academy differ from a traditional school?

Two of the biggest differences are flexibility and small class sizes. At Crimson Global Academy, students can structure their day around their schedules, whether that means an early start, elite sport commitments, or other interests. Classes average around 11 students, compared to 30-35 in a traditional, in-person school. Crimson Global Academy is a fully accredited online school.

As part of The Fellowship, students can choose to complete their International A-Levels or a US High School Diploma. CGA will work closely with each student and their family on their academic pathway and transition between schools. 

How much of the programme is in person vs. online?

Crimson Global Academy will be 100% online, so students across New Zealand can join live interactive group classes. If you are based in Auckland, there is an option for students to study hybrid from the Takapuna campus (Future School).

Can students still get into medical school or pursue competitive university pathways?

Yes. Students continue working towards their chosen qualification, whether it is A Levels or a US High School Diploma, keeping a wide range of university pathways open. Crimson Global Academy has extensive experience supporting students through the competitive university admissions process, including medicine, law, engineering, and other highly selective programmes.

How does the programme work day-to-day?

Each fellow (or student) will receive personalised support based on: their location, business or idea, interests and goals, and the skills they need to develop.

The programme will start with an in-person, one-week-long programme designed to expand their horizons of what's possible and build their confidence through exposure to founders behind companies such as Halter, Dawn Aerospace, Shareises, etc.

Fellows will then receive personalised support through monthly check-ins, academic guidance from Crimson Global Academy, 1:1 mentoring from the Icehouse Ventures team, tailored introductions to founders and experts, and access to Icehouse Ventures events and founder community.

How much equity does Icehouse Ventures take for any investment?

There is no investment requirement attached to The Fellowship. Each fellow has access to up to $10,000 in startup funding, and Icehouse Ventures does not take any equity in exchange for that funding. The same applies to the  Crimson Global Academy tuition scholarship (valued at $30,000).

Our goal is to support founders to succeed, with no expectation of investment in return. If we invest in a company in the future, it is because the business is ready and the opportunity is right, not because they received a scholarship or accessed the funding available through the programme.

How many spots are there, and is this a long-term programme?

There are five scholarship places available for the 2026/2027 cohort. The programme is designed as a long-term commitment to supporting future entrepreneurs, not a one-off initiative. 

What are you looking for in applicants?

Strong academics are important, but the scholarship is not looking for perfect students. As Pene said, "We want to know what drives you as a person and who you are." What matters most is curiosity, initiative, leadership, and a genuine passion for something.

Entrepreneurial experience can take many forms, whether it is selling products online, running a market stall, starting a project, or finding creative ways to solve problems. As Jamie put it, "There are people who leave school because they hate learning and they're disengaged, and there are people who have urgency. We are looking for that.”

How do I apply?

Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort, closing on Sunday, 21st of June.

Visit our website page for more information and to apply. 

Connect with Steph here.