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1. Was doing mostly strategy consulting and due diligences (think Parthenon, LEK, Strategy& Deals team)
2. I was there for 1.5 ish years, straight from undergrad
3. Did mostly DDs and some strategy work, focused on one industry. The VC role I ended up taking was also focused on this industry, so my consulting background def gave me a leg up in interviews
4. Pre mba
5. For the role I eventually took I applied through my school’s careers website (went to a target). I did get reached out to headhunters though for other VC roles. I think it was my combination of DD experience and academic credentials
Recruiting process took a month I think - if a VC is hiring I think they generally want to move fast bc it’s likely they’ve needed another person for a while haha. But that’s also just my personal experience. Process involved a first round behavioral with some industry questions (given our focus and theme can you think of any potential investments in this space), second round usually consists of meeting more people, a case or something. I’d say that for VC, esp earlier stage (and esp firms that aren’t “famous”), they don’t really test your modeling abilities. I had very basic modeling skills and they didn’t care. They did care about my knowledge of the industry they were in and my perspective on what a good investment would be
Were you B4?
What was your position?
What kind of projects and industries did you work in?
Were you pre-MBA or post MBA?
Were you reached out to by a headhunter or did you network your way in?
My firm, when they were looking for an analyst, wanted someone with previous experience. IMO I’m a better VC because I spent time in consulting but if you get the oppt to go straight to VC I’d go for it
Actually to amend my previous comment, I’d say that spending time in consulting I think gave me a boost in the short/med term (industry knowledge, hard skills, etc) but in the long term I don’t think it’ll make andifference
Also for a lot of larger growth equity firms he analyst role is primarily sourcing (or so I’ve heard), meaning you make a ton of cold calls
Hmm not sure I’m qualified to answer re experienced consulting hires...from what I’ve seen analysts and associates typically come from banking, consulting, or tech and then anyone above that usually came from a startup that the VC invested in. And a lot of people at the higher levels have operating experience. This is all anecdotal of course. If you have 6-9 years of experience and want to go into VC you may have to take a title/pay cut.
Are you in SF?
From what I’ve seen from alumni from my school in VC, most people either go to a portfolio company after a couple years or get an MBA. After the MBA a lot come back to their firm on the partner track. Looks like another option is to move firms to get on partner track at a firm that cares less about an MBA (or just stay if they’re already at one of those firms).
After working at a portfolio company I’ve seen people come back to their firm or move to a new VC firm. Sounds like you’ve seen the same
Obviously all second hand info as I’ve never worked in VC. Just done a fair amount of research over the last couple weeks
In addition to the above q’s, what was your background/skill set? How long did the entire recruiting process take? What did it entail? Any guidance for others who may want to pursue a similar path?
But specific of a question for you.
I just finished my first round video interview for a top growth equity firm. I’m curious if your firm has an analyst position for direct from undergrad (or close to it) recruits, and, if so, what you think of it.
I know the vast majority of VCs first put in time in IB, MC, or a top startup so I’m wondering if by going into VC too early I’ll hurt my potential career growth. I’m only 6 months out of undergrad and have been at a startup since (only did a consulting internship). At the same time, opportunities to get into VC don’t come around all that often
Thanks for the write up! How was the case? Was it similar to MC DD case questions? Something along the lines of “how would you grow this company over 5 years”?
Comp? Comp structure?
Comp was 100k with 20% bonus for an analyst role with a few years of experience. There weren’t a lot of data points I could find to compare against so I might very well be underpaid lol (someone pls tell me if I am)
@Bain1 you’ve basically hit on my current existential crisis haha. It’s tough because I’m pretty young and I’ve had the good fortune (and skillset of course but let’s not discount luck) to exit in what was my top exit opp. But where do you go from there??? Business school? People in business school want to be where I am now. Do I stay until I make partner? I feel like that’s pretty rare, but that might be because VC as an industry isn’t as established as consulting or banking yet. Do I switch firms? I don’t know. I do know that (based on some LinkedIn stalking) many of the partners at VCs have operating experience in startups. So maybe I go that route? Do this for a couple years, then join an early stage startup in an exec or high up role, then go back into VC with that additional “qualification”? Things I’m trying to figure out right now
Great insights. Thank you! What roles do you see for experienced professional consulting hires in the VC world (6-9 years of experience)? What types of cases did you have to do as part of your interview?
What city are you a VC in?
As for cases, I approached mine like I did with my DDs - market, competitive landscape, growth potential, etc.
Thoughts on transitioning from marketing to IR...worth it?
How do you like the role so far? What drew you to the industry and what’s been your take so far?
Do you see an upward trajectory within the company? Many folks here talk about exiting to VC, but I’ve heard that staying “exited” can be tricky based on your tenure and the fund, given that so many funds are partner-led without a clear upward track. Curious to hear your thoughts.
@EY1 not sure about those roles in the context of VC