AMA: Worked at tier 2 VC - got in post a few years of workex and a tier 2 Indian uni

+1 to this

+1 to this

-speak to founders and evaluate PPTs, post this if we feel it's a good deal - take it to seniors. If it works well, deal goes thru and you work with portfolio once in a while to see how things are shaping up -got in via a solid referral -associates at tier 2 can make anywhere between 40-60L, growth is like a consulting firm only. Carry component doesn't happen / get triggered in a short span of time -top tier roles are super hard to get even after being in tier 2 VCs

Associates at Tier 2 can make 40-60L You’re referring to post MBA role?

Tier 1: -1.5 to 2cr + 40-50% bonus + smol carry

Tier 2: -75L to 1.2cr + similar bonus + smol carry

Carry is pointless if you don't stay for 10 years after getting carry - else it won't materialize.... fund cycles are super long

Thanks! Is this for VP or principal? Assuming VP is partner-2 and principal is partner-1

I can tell you're from BCN my friend - haven't heard great things about the work there so id suggest you switch asap, now to your Qs:

1. Funds aren't hiring much for analysts because deal flow and cheques are down
2. I highly recommend switching to a tier 1 startup and then going back to VC. Your opps will be much higher that way
3. Nope. Completely different fields

Hey man - thanks a lot for responding!

Just a few follow up Qs if you don’t mind -

a) the BCN part is fascinating - have people in VC started to look down upon it? b) And yeah, exactly, since deal flow is down, do you expect it to get better anytime soon? Basically I’m trying to understand if I should take up any VC opportunity I can find the earliest or wait for an opportunity with a fund I’d actually want to join c) Hmm the tier 1 startup thing I’ve heard from other people too - how would you personally define Tier 1 startups? Series D/E and T1 investors? Also, how long would I need to stay at a startup before making the switch to VC?

Thanks again!

1. Tier 2 would be blume, chiratae, antler, kalaari (this is an inbetweener), fireside etc
2. Both work, a senior internal member works better tho - in my case id worked in consulting with a senior member, the referral became much easier
3. They have started to give this major weightage in a few firms, but really depends on the partner that's hiring. Some still have fuck all mandates to only hire pedigree-d folks. If you've been a successful founder in the past (even some funding), you should be good imo

Best of luck on the process my friend, you'll get there! Ps: you should also cold email a ton of foreign VCs just to start working part time for free for their partners (some parts of their work), after some persistence they usually cave in and give you some work - just show some enthusiasm

Plus what happens if the company you invested is not able to give any returns for long time or the company shut downs. How this affects your careeer path

1. Profit model: on paper has to work
2. This is the whole point VCs exist. You don't NEED to have a dunzo and a zepto, but there's capital to be deployed
3. 80% of outcomes are expected to lose/bleed + VC funds have a 10 year horizon. So this is usually fine if something shuts

-found it pretentious -building is way better, before becoming a VC

Haha yes, it is a bit pretentious

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Picture this: Analysts at VCs are glorified call center callers

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+1

There are multiple opportunities. I can't give much info but hit up First Cheque - they have been solid with backing resilient founders lately

Get your pitch to be the best thing you're speaking about. People love confidence, you need to own the room and show people that you're the one to build what you're doing. I've seen deals happen purely based on founded confidence