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The Götz Mäuser ’91 Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship

Empowering Future Entrepreneurs from Emerging Economies

The Götz Mäuser ’91 Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program at International House is a transformative program designed to empower next-generation changemakers to lead with empathy, resilience, integrity, and cultural intelligence.

Launched in 2025—the outset of I-House’s second century of fostering open-minded cross-cultural understanding—this fellowship delivers an immersive experience that goes far beyond the traditional classroom. It is open to four rising entrepreneurs, with priority given to candidates from United Nations-designated emerging and developing countries (EDCs) and low-income developing countries (LIDCs).

Fellows participate in a comprehensive program, supported by a Senior Fellowship Advisor in Residence, that includes a series of talks led by successful international entrepreneurs, mentorship from accomplished I-House alumni, and opportunities to enhance their practical skills and leadership capabilities in ways that benefit the wider I-House community. As residents of I-House, fellows cultivate adaptability, humility, and grit—traits essential for launching ventures and driving meaningful change in their home countries. This fellowship ensures that entrepreneurs from underrepresented regions have the preparation and profound cross-cultural understanding needed to establish and lead new ventures in a global economy.

Fellowship Components

Monthly Lunch-and-Learns

Fellows lead and participate in monthly meetings to exchange ideas and experiences. Guided by the Senior Fellowship Advisor, each fellow is expected to plan and organize at least one lunch-and-learn with an invited guest speaker. Lunches are open to all I-House residents so the community can:

  • Discuss business ideas, funding opportunities, cultural barriers, local challenges, share experiences, and expertise.
  • Interact with invited speakers who are successful entrepreneurs, faculty, industry leaders, and/or subject matter experts.
  • Network with I-House alumni, trustees, and invited guests.
  • Reflect on I-House learnings and how to integrate them into their business plans and personal advancement.
Ongoing Mentorship

The Senior Fellowship Advisor provides continuous mentorship in collaboration with Götz Mäuser and I-House leadership. Accomplished I-House alumni in related industries, or with experience in a particular global region, may also provide additional mentorship. Through this aspect of the program, fellows will:

  • Receive guidance, encouragement, and specialized advice from the Senior Fellowship Advisor during check-in meetings as they prepare and plan to launch a new venture.
  • Build a professional network.
  • Meet with mentors at least twice per year, with the Senior Fellowship Advisor ensuring these connections are productive and consistent.
Twice-Yearly Special Events

Fellows plan and execute two evening events that focus on entrepreneurship in EDC or LIDC regions. These events take place after the fall and spring semesters, with all I-House residents, alumni, and trustees invited.

  • Mid-Year Symposium: This January event features a guest speaker or panel addressing a topic related to entrepreneurship in EDC or LIDC regions. Fellows moderate the discussion and lead the Q&A, fostering engagement and knowledge-sharing.
  • Götz Talks: Modeled after TED Talks and held at the end of the academic year, Götz Talks allow fellows to showcase their entrepreneurial journeys, pitch new business ideas, and explore challenges and opportunities for businesses in their home countries. Designed to educate, inspire, and spark conversation, these sessions champion innovation, deepen understanding, and foster a dynamic environment of learning and collaboration.
Engagement in the I-House Community

Fellows are fully engaged members of the I-House community throughout the year-long fellowship. The Senior Fellowship Advisor ensures engagement from all fellows with House activities.

  • Fellows participate in regular check-ins and conversations with the Senior Fellowship Advisor.
  • The advisor maintains regular communication with I-House leadership and provides periodic updates to Götz Mäuser on the cohort’s progress and learning experience.
  • Depending on scheduling and availability, Götz Mäuser may join check-ins with fellows or participate in mid-year and year-end events.

Eligibility and Support

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this fellowship opportunity applicants must be
  • Graduate students accepted to an accredited academic institution in the New York City metro area, with a program completion date no earlier than June 2027.
  • From EDC and LIDC regions, with preference given to those from countries underrepresented at I-House.
  • Able to demonstrate financial need.
  • Committed to launching a new business venture in their home country after graduation.

      Support

      In addition to unparalleled professional development, fellows receive:
      • Full cost of a room with a sink in I-House South for 10 months (August 1 – May 31).
      • Full cost of I-House Dining Plan B for 10 months (August 1 – May 31), equal to $3,230 to spend in the dining hall.
      • Stipend of $1,500 ($150 per month).

      How to Apply

      Application Requirements

      The Götz Mäuser ‘91Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build the skills, network, and mindset necessary to drive change and innovation on a global scale.
      1. Complete I-House admission application for the 2025-26 academic year
      2. Complete fellowship application which consists of:
        • essay questions
        • personal budget for the 2025-26 academic year
        • resume or cv
        • letter of recommendation










      There are 4 required essays. The first must be written and the others may be written or in video form:
      1. Please provide a concise synopsis of your business idea. Be sure to include the rationale behind it, the key factors that would constribute to its success, anticipated limitations or constraints, and why you believe you are well-qualified to launch and success in this venture.

      2. How will you advance your business idea during your two-year residency and fellowship at I-House?

      3. Describe how your work will contribute to the growth of your community in the future

      4. Why do you want to participate in this fellowship program?

      Optional essay: Please share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the selection committee.

      Please note:

      The initial fellowship is for one year only. To return for a second year, fellows must submit the standard reapplication for admission to I-House and a short statement on why they wish to continue with the fellowship. Only those who will potentially be eligible for the fellowship for two years will be considered.

      When to Apply

      Apply By:

      Receive Admissions Decision By:
      May 1, 2025 May 15, 2025
      June 1, 2025 June 15, 2025
      You will receive an update regarding the status of your application within 3 business days of receipt.
      Apply today

      About Götz Mäuser

      Götz Mäuser ’91

      Götz Mäuser is a German I-House alumnus who currently splits his time between residences in Germany and Australia. Götz lived at I-House from 1990-91 while pursuing his MBA at NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

      Götz is an investor and advisor with over 30 years of experience in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and business development. He began his career at McKinsey, working in Germany and Brazil, before joining the private-equity firm Permira, where he led major transactions, including those involving SBS Broadcasting Sarl and ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG. From 2007 to 2014, Mäuser sat on the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, including more than four years as chairman. Since 2014, he has been an independent investor and board member.

      Götz cherished his time at I-House. He remains an active alumnus, serving as a member on the I-House World Council of Alumni and the pan-European Alumni Group, Freunde des International House.