How to Break into VC
Adapted from Dive into VC Newsletter Issue #2
- As shared by Houman Asefi the above are some points to keep in mind
- Get experience in a related field: Many venture capitalists have experience working in finance, investment banking, or entrepreneurship.
- Network with people in the industry: Venture capital is a relationship-based industry
3. Consider starting at a smaller firm
You can access the tweet here: https://twitter.com/houmanasefi/status/1610132241585430528?s=20&t=baKx0lz5C_e3-d4wq7lBYA
I would add to this start a podcast as a networking vehicle, and leverage it by asking VC’s to come on, build a relationship w/ them, then make the ask
2. Insights shared by Michael Tu a sophomore in college
Advice: not to underestimate the power of social media (tiktok, twitter, etc.)
He’s currently interning at a very small VC firm
And got the job because he kept interacting with the page of the GP/Founder on TikTok, and eventually got on the phone with them
In terms of interaction:
When the GP would post notable deals Michael:
would comment his own opinion
and when the GP explained VC concepts- he would ask more in-depth questions.
Eventually he reached out over email/LinkedIn and got on a call.
Kept up a good relationship and eventually talked about potentially interning for the firm.
You can connect with Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tu1/
3. Insights shared by Mitesh Dube
Write good conte
Link here to the tweet: https://twitter.com/dubeji18/status/1610366430163394560?s=20&t=rX12TPR9hVvVvry-t6mZ9w
You can connect with Mitesh here: https://twitter.com/dubeji18
4. Insights shared by Sachin Shah: Podcaster at The Sachin and Adam Show, and AirTree VC
Read a really great article by Sachin Shah on how to approach breaking into VC
1. Another point I would add is to start your own Micro or VC Fund
-> And give a chance to others who reach out showing a genuine passion and interest a shot
Link to the article here: https://medium.com/@sachinshah_87043/how-to-break-into-venture-capital-2894e654233f
4. My own points
Got a question from Christian Alafaa
About how to break into VC I am also still learning
Think the big few are
- Adding value to VC’s: and sending them cold/warm emails with this value
Value such as deal flow, who they can hire, what value you can add
You can read the full thing here: https://twitter.com/KaziRoohi/status/1576290610394243072?s=20&t=ULJxqmUPbDqRD2oWzEYoRg
5. From Pratik Kumar: COO @ Startup College, Ex Intern @ Anthill Ventures
Answer the following questions first before you start your VC search
1)Why VC?
2)Does it get you excited to analyse different companies in different areas of industry?
3) Do you think it excites you to meet new people and perform an analysis over their approach to problem solving. Shall we invest in them or not?
4) Does the business model of the startup seeking investment is even solving a problem or not?
Before breaking in to the industry Pratik suggests to be well versed about VC Terminology, and Basic Knowledge
He has recommended the book: Break into VC by Bradley Miles
Break Into VC Book link here: https://www.amazon.in/BreakIntoVC-Investor-Entrepreneur-Professional-Guidebook-ebook/dp/B06XWP5N4B
During your search:
- Find what interests you and based on that reach out to VC’s
- Make a list of those VC’s
- Try connecting to them on LinkedIn keep the message short and crisp about what you are looking for and how you can add value to the team
→ generally won’t respond over email
You can access the full document here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XEKZu0jhSkvgnJcMcXWuxZ-m3GxCWU4RI4U8noSBDTY/edit
You can reach out to Pratik for any questions and clarifications at — kumar.pratik61@gmail.com
