Is HBS worth it for late-stage VC? Got in but not sure if I want to pay ~$200K tuition + ~$400K opportunity cost if I know the job I want next and I think it’s attainable now. Context: I spent 2 years at MBB and am finishing up my 2 years in UMM tech PE. I’m targeting growth teams at Accel, Sequoia, Bessemer, IVP, etc. I hear the argument for branding and networking, but is it worth $600K+? Also feel like the value of an MBA is decreasing, even if from HBS.

likefunny
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If you want to take the roundabout way of HBS -> drop out -> form a company that gets a ton of buzz because you’re an HBS dropout -> raise money at a crazy valuation -> either win big or burn out, doesn’t really matter -> join Accel/KPCB/Sequoia etc, then it’s a good idea.

Otherwise, probably not 🤣

likefunny

Exactly my plan/rationale for doing MBA, if I do one at all. Any other reason doesn’t justify the time and financial cost enough.

Alternative perspective—given your background and trajectory, you’ll never be hurting for money. Take two years to have fun and enjoy being young with some cool people. When you have $20M in the bank at age 40, you wont regret it. Just thinking there is more to life than getting rich as fast as possible, and HBS allows you to have some fun without hurting career prospects

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^ This is a pretty good perspective, honestly. I hate to sound cheesy here but the old adage of “it’s about the journey, not the destination” is relevant here.

I’m going to take a leap and say that you’re going to be financially sound no matter what you choose. You’ve done a great job so far and it will pay off either way…Why not expand your horizon at HBS?

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For VC in general, and with your background specifically, an MBA will have zero ROI

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I would go to HBS for the brand, but to each their own

likefunny

My suggestion is not to go. I think the op cost is not only the $$ but also the time as well.
Many people will argue that the network is worth it. But let’s be honest, I am pretty sure you can meet many HBS folks on this bowl.

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Lol yeah “meeting” someone on here is definitely comparable. Could also do it on hinge and tinder

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It is the longer term consideration. Would you want to rise to level that will need to advertise the Harvard brand on your management abstract?

Or do you think you have the technical smarts to rise to a level that you won’t need it. With your credential, the 600k is an expensive long dated out of the money option. Is such an option worth it.

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Technically what is missing is more whether it is bought or sold an out of money option. In this case, the implied context should the purchase of a deeply out of money option.

Whereby the option purchase prices at 600k gives the option to utilize the Harvard B-school name to gun for an annual report listed job assuming that OP cannot get it on pure technical merit.

I have no perspective on this question, just came here to say I find it so strange when people post under their company name that they worked at "MBB."

You worked at Bain, you should be proud!!

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I am proud! I loved Bain!

I say MBB because I don’t think it really matters which of the three I worked at (all the same exits ops essentially) and so am trying to broaden the applicable set of relevant analogs to my situation.

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I didn’t get into HBS this year but just went from MM PE to top tier growth fund so you’re right you can make this transition right now

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Would folks suggestions change if I added I’m from a non-target undergrad? State flagship, but not a target

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I don’t OP needs it unless it’s a personal goal. Forget the pedigree pissing contest.

So your question is “Should I spend $600k for a network that could be wasted on a job I could have tomorrow?”

Idk man, join the yacht club instead. Maybe a country club? Maybe racquetball tickles your fancy. You can network there just as easily.

HBS seems like an insane waste of money to me, if I were in your shoes. Big Tech barely cares about going to college anymore, let alone which school. Idt any VC worth their salt is choosing you with HBS over Joe down the street who built and sold a startup on a HS diploma.

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Message me. Happy to discuss in DMs

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Do hbs if you went to a crappy undergrad achool; if you have elite educ already, don’t need it.

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McK1 - That’s not true. I went to UChicago for Economics and based on US News and QS, it is top 10. But I don’t agree with it. Besides the top 5, reminding 5 spots change every year
Solid Top 5: Harvard/Stanford/MIT/Princeton/Caltech
Potential schools for #6-10: Yale, UPenn, Columbia, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Northwestern, UChicago, etc

Personally I was in a similar situation. I ended up enrolling in a continuing education program and got a part time Masters from an Ivy League school.
I ended up learning more since the maturity of the students was higher and frankly no one really cares and looks into it too much.

Let us know what you choose, OP

I’d go

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