A fellowship for New York's next generation of builders.
Twelve founders, creators, operators, and photo and video talent, ages 18 to 27. One year inside the Anwar Media network.
Free to join. Applications open November 1. Program starts December 1.
Why this exists
Talent is everywhere in New York, but access is not. Anwar Fellows gives young builders the rooms, the camera, and the community that usually take a decade to earn. The program is open to all eligible applicants, and we welcome builders from every background.
Who should apply
- A♠♠FoundersA♠
You are building a company, at any stage.
- K♥♥CreatorsK♥
You are growing an audience and a media brand.
- Q♣♣OperatorsQ♣
You run growth, ops, or partnerships for a startup.
- J♦♦Photo and videoJ♦
You shoot, edit, and tell stories visually.
You must be 18 to 27 and based in New York City.
How it works
Each cohort has twelve fellows and runs for [PROGRAM LENGTH].
Monthly fellow sessions
A private session with Ilias and guest operators on GTM, content, and events.
Fellow projects
Each fellow builds and launches a project of their own, like a panel, shoot, or event, with mentorship from the Anwar team.
Build in public
Fellows share a monthly update about their own work on their own channels.
What fellows get
- Rooms
- Guest invitations to One Manor dinners and Anwar Media events across NYC.
- Camera
- A feature opportunity on The Red Carpet Show.
- Audience
- A spotlight in the Cheat Codes newsletter and our 80K community.
- Introductions
- Warm intros to founders, investors, and brand partners in our network.
- Content
- Photo and video support from the Anwar Media team.
- Mentorship
- Direct access to Ilias and program mentors.
Fellow commitments
- Share one update about your own work each month.
- Attend monthly fellow sessions and support your cohort.
- Build and present your fellow project by the end of the program.
Fellows attend Anwar Media events as guests, never as staff. Event invitations are optional, and skipping one never affects your place in the program.
Key dates
Applications open
November 1, 2026
Applications close
[DATE]
Interviews
[DATE RANGE]
Cohort announced
[DATE]
Program starts
December 1, 2026
Demo night or closing event
[DATE]
Mentors and partners
[MENTOR 1]
[TITLE], [COMPANY]
[MENTOR 2]
[TITLE], [COMPANY]
[MENTOR 3]
[TITLE], [COMPANY]
[MENTOR 4]
[TITLE], [COMPANY]
- [PARTNER 1]
- [PARTNER 2]
- [PARTNER 3]
- [PARTNER 4]
Led by Ilias Anwar
Ilias Anwar is the founder of Anwar Media, a media company for founders and creators building brands. He co-founded TCC Entertainment and Tapped AI, both acquired by Cliqk. He previously led growth at SeedLegals and Swifey AI. His community reaches over 80,000 people, and his events have hosted teams from SpaceX, RedNote, and leading family offices.
What this fellowship is
Anwar Fellows is an educational program, not a job or internship. Fellows are not employees, and the program involves no work for Anwar Media. Everything fellows create, from their posts to their projects, belongs to them.
FAQ
Does the fellowship cost anything?
No. The fellowship is completely free for every fellow.
Do I need to be in New York?
Yes, fellows must live in NYC to attend sessions and events.
Can I apply if I'm still in school?
Yes, as long as you are 18 to 27.
What makes a strong application?
Show us what you have already built, shipped, or shot.
When will I hear back?
Every applicant hears back by [DATE].
Do fellows work at Anwar Media events?
No. Fellows attend as guests to learn and build relationships.
Do I have to post about Anwar Media?
No. Your monthly update is about your own work. Tagging Anwar Fellows is welcome but never required.
If I mention the fellowship online, what should I say?
Just add a simple line like 'I'm an Anwar Fellow' so your audience knows the connection.
Is this a paid position?
No. Anwar Fellows is a free educational program, not employment.
Ready to build with us?
Apply nowQuestions? Email ilias@anwarfamilyenterprises.com.