Issue #4: How to Break into VC Part 2
Hey Everyone,
Welcome to the fourth issue of this newsletter
Thanks to everyone who has subscribed!
Really appreciate your support
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This issue will feature:
a) Some tips on how to Break into VC
b) Who I Met?
c) Articles, Podcasts
d) Jobs and Internship Opportunities
And a side note given the good response to the 2nd issue on Breaking into VC. This will be a monthly issue in the newsletter
So if you have broken in or have any insights into how to break in to VC: do shoot me an email at bizpodroohi@gmail.com
a)
From an Anonymous source:
Experience: Basically started career in tech sales, and had worked in various industries out of college
Story: Friend who got an investment at fund they currently work at introduced them to the fund. They were not hiring at that moment but still agreed to meet.
What they did: A ton of homework and made the fund hire based on what they could do to help the fund.
Found areas where the fund needed help and made themselves available and equipped to help.
Pathway: Started off as an analyst then moved on to associate role
Tips: For anybody interested in breaking into VC- try to figure out what is you do best and make that the thesis of your interview
Something like: I’m really good at x,y,z and you guys need help with this- and show your value to the fund in that way
From Paul Monaghan:
Chase specific people from event to event, fund managers or VC investors who you want to connect with or are in your area
Even if virtually
Target those individuals that are in your specific interest area, narrow it down to 1-2 folks, and “stalk” them.
Show them your passion any chance you get, event to event
Get their contact details, send them relevant materials. Show them the type of work you could be capable of (research, market trends, specific companies you’d invest in yourself, etc.)
From Brett Callhoun:
early stage
- work with early-stage startups and investors and work your butt off to add value even if it’s free work
- network with founders and investors
- develop a personal thesis
- hone in on a specific market to become an expert in
- send deals to investors
- become a scout and apply for fellowships
- a lot of reading and continuous education on understanding VC deals and the industry
- hone in on a skillset where you can add value (e.g., finance & ops - build a finance & ops stack and become really good at modeling)
From Nida: Principal at HG Ventures
- The good news is there's no one path to VC.
- Be prepared for apprenticeship based work. Reps is what gets you experience
- Build your Network. GoingVC, internships, Venture Fellows for America are all good resources. You can also join a number of slack communities to become familiar with the lingo/jargon of investing
- Developing a strong personal brand is extremely important. Determine the vertical you are interested in and start developing credibility and thought leadership there.
- Engage with a wide variety of investors. There are good and bad ones out there, and they all have vastly different styles. Send deal flow to investors to spark engagement. Offer to help an investor develop and vet deal flow.
- Talk to founders and hone your instincts around pinpointing strong founders and teams.
- Take a look at what part of deal flow interests you. Is it sourcing? Diligence?
- If able to, you could also try your hand at angel investing. It's very risky, but a great way to participate in this world of VC
b) On the podcast I met Chris Yeh: GP at Blitzscaling Ventures
You can listen to what Chris has to share here:
c) Articles
From Daryl Lim:
https://medium.com/@daryllimwd/breaking-into-vc-art-or-science-ef7407866e6
From Jed Ng:
https://www.angelschool.vc/blog/angel-syndicates-are-more-valuable-than-you-think
https://www.angelschool.vc/blog/how-syndicates-are-more-profitable-than-vc-funds
d) Jobs and Internships:
Original source Sina from Startups and VC
That’s it, Hope you enjoyed this issue! Thanks again for being here.
What would you like to see in this newsletter next
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and feedback!
Starting from the 5th newsletter issue I will be covering summaries, and key takeaways of the VC 101 course by Meagan Loyst.
Reply to this email or send me a DM on Twitter with any feedback, suggestions, thoughts for the newsletter!
Have a great week and I’ll see you in the 5th issue- next month
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