Building For The Future: The DVP Fellowship Experience

More Than Just an Internship

The Detroit Venture Partners (DVP) Fellowship is more than just a summer internship. It’s a launchpad for young, driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world, starting right here in Detroit.

Since 2010, DVP has backed early-stage tech companies that move the world forward. DVP was founded by Dan Gilbert, Rocket Companies Founder and Chairman, with a vision to grow Detroit’s entrepreneurial community. DVP partners with visionary founders to help their portfolio companies succeed by leveraging the more than 100 entities within the Rock Family of Companies.

The DVP fellowship is more than learning the ropes in venture capital and company building —it’s about understanding what it means to work For More Than Profit, seamlessly merging profitability and doing well by doing good.

Empowering Impactful Startups

Take Gloria, for example. As a Detroit native and current MBA student at Stanford, she returned to her hometown this summer to work with Revela, one of DVP’s portfolio companies. “At Revela, my role was to help them create an efficient outbound sales strategy,” Gloria shared. “But what struck me most was DVP’s commitment to investing in companies and founders who are not just chasing profits, but who are truly committed to making a positive impact on their communities. It’s about building something sustainable, something that gives back.”

One of the most powerful aspects of the DVP Fellowship is how deeply the ISMs are the foundation of everything we do. “You’ll see it when you believe it” isn’t just a saying—it’s a reality here in Detroit.

Fellows like Gloria, Justin, and Annie experienced firsthand how DVP’s commitment to innovation and long-term impact drives every decision. They’ve learned that “Numbers and money follow, they do not lead,” and this philosophy is what empowers them to focus on what truly matters: building great products, taking care of our customers and going the extra mile.  Whether it’s “Launching and learning” in a fast-paced startup environment or embracing the idea that “It’s not about who is right, it’s about what is right,” the ISMs guide our fellows in building companies that are not just successful but also purpose-driven. These principles aren’t just guidelines—they are the foundation of how we operate, ensuring that we do well by doing good.

Justin, a recent law school graduate from Georgia State, echoed this sentiment while working with Rivet. “Rivet is one of the fastest-growing startups in Detroit, and I was right in the middle of it, working on a data-focused project,” he said. “But what really stood out to me was how much DVP focuses on supporting the local ecosystem. They’re not just in it for the financial return—they genuinely care about the people and the city. That’s the essence of For More Than Profit.”

A Transformative Experience

Annie, an MBA student at the University of Michigan, found her experience at Signal Advisors transformative. “I was part of their people operations team, helping to keep the remote-first company connected and thriving. But the biggest takeaway for me was how DVP is building a culture that prioritizes people just as much as profits. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and engaged, even in a fast-growing startup.”

Carter, a senior at Indiana University, worked with CoverTree on their finance team. “I was tasked with building out financial models to help them achieve profitability,” he explained. “What really inspired me was seeing how DVP’s philosophy of long-term investment plays out. They are committed to making sure these companies not only succeed but do so with an eye on how it benefits the broader community. That’s what For More Than Profit means to me.”

Sam, another fellow from Oakland University, also found meaning in DVP’s mission. “Working with Signal Advisors, I learned the importance of evaluating events not just from a financial standpoint, but also from the perspective of their impact on clients and the community. It’s about more than just the bottom line—it’s about doing what’s right.”

Detroit: The Perfect Backdrop for Change

For these fellows, the DVP Fellowship showed that you can build successful companies while making a meaningful impact on the world around you. Detroit, with its rich history and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, is the perfect backdrop for this journey. The fellows are not just learning—they are joining a movement that is reshaping a city and redefining what it means to succeed in business.

Your Turn to Make a Difference

If you are passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and making a difference, the DVP Fellowship is where you need to be. It’s more than a summer job—it’s an opportunity to bet big on yourself, on Detroit, and on the idea that doing well by doing good is the most powerful business strategy of all.