Avra Capital, a new venture firm founded by Anu Hariharan and her colleagues from Y Combinator, is emerging as a unique educational institution for growth-stage entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, Avra operates as a "trade school" focused on teaching the art of company building to a select group of elite founders. The program is designed to help these entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses, with a curriculum that includes tactical masterclasses led by successful founders and industry experts. The origins of Avra can be traced back to the closure of Y Combinator's Growth team, which was responsible for supporting companies in their post-Series A stages. After the abrupt shutdown in March 2023, Hariharan and her team leveraged their extensive experience to create Avra, which has quickly gained a reputation for its rigorous and selective program. The curriculum emphasizes learning from the mistakes and successes of established entrepreneurs, fostering an environment of vulnerability and openness. Avra's approach is characterized by its confidentiality, allowing instructors to share candid insights without the pressure of public scrutiny. This secrecy, combined with the high caliber of its educators, has made the program highly sought after among founders looking to scale their businesses effectively. The curriculum covers essential topics such as executive hiring, financial planning, and maintaining operational speed, all tailored to the specific challenges faced by growth-stage companies. The program is structured around a series of steps that include data-driven sourcing of startups, one-on-one evaluations, and a kick-off retreat to build camaraderie among participants. Founders engage in classes that encourage discussion and sharing of experiences, rather than traditional lectures. Weekly office hours provide additional support, allowing entrepreneurs to delve deeper into their unique challenges. One of the standout features of Avra is its "mini S-1" exercise, where founders create a mock filing to understand how their business fits into the broader market landscape. This exercise not only prepares them for potential public offerings but also serves as a valuable investment research tool for Avra itself. As Avra continues to refine its curriculum and expand its network, it aims to establish itself as a leading institution for growth-stage entrepreneurs. The firm is also exploring opportunities to support companies approaching the public markets, further solidifying its role in the startup ecosystem. Overall, Avra Capital represents a novel approach to venture capital, blending education and investment in a way that prioritizes the needs of founders. By focusing on the unique challenges of scaling businesses, Avra is carving out a niche that could redefine how venture firms operate in the future.