Hi all, I am from a tier 1 MBA college and have worked in a startup post graduation. Currently doing strategy and ops planning role in a founder's office role. How can I move to VC? I don't have the CGPA to get into an MBB or IB roles but am aware that VC hire folks with operating exp as well. Is this a viable option for me?
Why move to VC?
Better pay, good growth, good exit options and it is considered to be a very posh job in MBA circles.
Be very careful of "considered" "posh" jobs. Folks who are not there are the ones to call it a "prestigious" or "dream job" or "respected" role etc.
People who once thought Product Management is a sexy job learnt after burning their hands that it's a hardcore consulting job with a good level of politics involved and most of the time you are getting blamed for shit you don't control or for someone else's mistakes.
All over LinkedIn you will still see non-PMs are crazy about "breaking" into PM.
Step 1 - have lot of money.
Step 2. - make an investment in a startup.
Step 3 - get into the network of private/ startup investors.
Step 4 - depending on step 1, you become a partner with other VC or get hired by VC.
VC is one of those external status jobs. As a VC analyst your job is to source deals. The best founders won't want to talk to you because you're too junior and you'll be left doing calls with tier 2 founders. On top of that there is no carry. You make good money in fixed comp though. Only realistic exit option is to start your own company - VC roles don't give you any real operating skills but you'll get a good sense of the market.
Also these roles are very few, so unless you have some spike (education, prev work ex, succesful startup role) you won't get in.
Your comment is really insightful. I thought VC roles offer good exit options into senior strategy roles in more established startups and maybe exits into some reputed Private Equity firms.
I know there is no carry but is there a path to becoming a partner if you perform well?
VC and PE are two different ball games so no exit there.
Senior strategy roles - also no. Personally I have a problem with strategy roles. Startups shouldn't have strategy roles. Bigger companies do, but they are coordinating functions and there's an established pipeline from MBB for that. VCs might give you a brand name, but by no means an obvious exit opportunity
VC is a long term game. To really make money you need to get carry by being a partner and that is a 5- 10 year game.
Yes this is absolutely a viable option for you.
Taget only the top 10 VC funds in India. Reach out to Principals/VPs at each of these funds personally with a passionate application and you never know
The funds do like someone from a good operating background specially form a Tier 1 MBA
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