Are you running a startup program such as an accelerator, pitch competition, bootcamp or any customized programs for ventures? Welcome to Part 2 of the guide on how to use VC4A’s online tools to manage your application and selection processes. In Part 1, we covered two foundational sections in creating a free VC4A partner page and launching a startup program.
In this part, we will dive into sections 3-5; practical aspects of setting up an application form and managing your application funnel using VC4A platform tools. This article will cover how to:
- Setup a free application form: Tailor a custom application form that gathers the information you need to evaluate ventures and identify the perfect fit for your program.
- Manage applications with ease: Learn how to use VC4A’s user-friendly tools to streamline the application process, and manage submissions efficiently and
- Set up your application rating and selection center.
These steps are necessary for ensuring that you gather the right information from applicants and efficiently evaluate and select the best candidates for your programs.
Section 3: How to setup an application form on VC4A
Setting up a custom application form on VC4A is a straightforward process that allows you to collect the necessary information to evaluate potential participants. Follow these steps:
Navigate to your admin dashboard: Log in to your VC4A account and navigate to your program page. Alternatively, use this URL guide to go right to the page: https://vc4a.com/name-of-your-organization/name-of-your-program/. On the admin dashboard of your program page, select the “Add a form” button.
Customize your form: Use the Form Builder to create the form questions using provided fields that capture the specific information you need from applicants. This can include text fields, dropdown menus, checkboxes, and more. In the VC4A platform it is a simple Drag & Drop process.
Set the application parameters: Define the start and end dates for the application period, set eligibility criteria, and specify any required documentation that the applicant needs to provide such as pitch decks or business plans.
Preview and publish: Once done, publish your form in order to preview and test it from the point of view of an applicant. When you preview the form, you can spot errors and make adjustments where necessary.
Don’t worry, as long as the program page is not yet live, no one will be able to see this form except you or your team.
The following video tutorial demonstrates the VC4A form builder. While the interface might have been slightly updated since filming, the core functionality remains the same and these videos are still a valuable resource.
Watch this video tutorial to set up an application form with the VC4A form builder.
Preview of the VC4A form builder
Section 4: How to manage your startup application funnel on VC4A
Efficiently managing the influx of applications is crucial for selecting the best candidates. VC4A provides a suite of tools to help you stay organized and make informed decisions:
Application tracking: You can tag applications, add comments, and assign reviewers to monitor the status of each applicant.
Collaboration with internal team members and external reviewers: Enable your team to work together seamlessly by granting access to relevant team members. This allows for multiple reviewers to leave feedback and score each application.
Filtering and sorting: Use the filter options to sort applications based on various criteria, such as sector, stage of development, geographic location, or even an outstanding venture. This helps you quickly identify the most promising candidates and categorize your applications.
Communication: Keep applicants informed throughout the process by using VC4A’s communication tools to send bulk updates, request additional information, or notify them of their application status.
Use this downloadable pre-screening tutorial to learn how to screen your program applications on VC4A. (features may have minor updates)
With these free to use tools, you can better manage your application funnel, ensuring that you select the best applicants for your program.
A view of form entries in a sample program application funnel
Section 5: Set up the rating & selection center
This final section will show you how to use the VC4A adjudication center to streamline the application review process, ensuring a more efficient and transparent cohort selection. This is where program managers can set up the application rating criteria, invite external judges, create judging groups, and assign them applications. Judges can then review applications and provide feedback.
Set the rating criteria:
- Click on “Rating & Selection” in your admin dashboard and follow the section prompts to add details. For instance, “Settings” is where you can write a welcome message to your judges with instructions about the process and set the rating deadline.
- Click “Criteria” where you can write a clear set of criteria to assess applications. The platform allows you to add varying weights to a rating criterion, enabling you to prioritize specific aspects you deem most critical in a successful application.
Create judging groups and assign judges to each group:
- Next you want to create your judging groups, allowing you to recruit subject-matter experts to evaluate applications. We recommend involving at least three judges per group to ensure a well-rounded evaluation process incorporating diverse perspectives.
- Have your judges create their own VC4A user accounts in order to for you to add them to the “Groups” tab. Next, simply name your groups and enter the judges’ email addresses to distribute them across those groups.
Assign application entries to your judging groups: Navigate to the “Groups” tab again. There you’ll find a list of applications you’ve moved to the “Selected for rating” tab. Now you can assign them to your newly created judging groups either individually or in bulk.
Save settings and let your judges start rating: Send the link of the adjudication center which you can copy from the “Home” tab to your judges to start voting. Check the progress of the judges, votes, and results at any time and make exports, when required.
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to set up your rating and adjudication center on VC4A. (features may have minor updates)
A sample Rating & Selection Center, showing the Settings tab
Using the VC4A platform for advanced startup application management
In part 1 and part 2, we have covered the foundational steps to set up and manage your VC4A partner page, launching your startup program and managing the application funnel. You are now set up to build a successful program that attracts high-potential ventures.
Next to this VC4A also provides expertise, digital tools, and various promotional services, to help you find the most promising upcoming startups for your accelerator or the right audience for your next event. If you want to delve deeper into VC4A’s advanced application management tools, our team is happy to set up a demo. You can contact us via the platform services page.