Breaking into VC with non-target / operator background in APAC
Hi All,
I'm posting in this forum as I need some advice from those in the know so I can assess my options - apologies if this isn’t the place for this sort of discussion.
Disclaimer
I’m not naive / dillusional - I know most of the people in the PE / VC industry have cultivated this path for themselves starting before University! I’d just like an honest assessment of what my options are to break into this industry.
Background:
I’m 28 and have spent the majority of my life living and working in APAC. I went to a top Canadian University where I got a B.A. - the law school notion faded shortly before graduating.
Professionally, I’ve always worked in small companies. The first position I held was a management trainee position with rotations across UAE + APAC for a tight-knit consumer goods business that did 9-figures in revenue. I’ve since worked at a consumer goods & pharma start-up that is doing multiple 8-figures in revenue. I’m adding revenue because its one of those non-brand name businesses that flys under the radar.
In my most recent role, I’ve been a part of this business before when we were unprofitable and doing under 7-figures in revenue. I’ve been across the business driving demand generation and commercial outcomes and putting in place the systems and processes for us to scale. I’d like to think of myself as someone who has the experience of building a business. From driving corporate strategy, new market entry to commerial and operations experience - I’ve developed a broad set of skills.
Ultimately, I’m wondering if I can take my real-life “operator” experience and translate that into a role in VC / PE. I personally relish doing deeply strategic / analytical work around new ventures or opportunities and VC / PE felt aligned with that ambition. I know it won’t be easy and I’d need to do the hard yards of getting in front of the right people and playing the right cards. I’m hoping to find a role in Hong Kong / Singapore / APAC that would enable me to get my foot in the door in that industry (I’d even do an unpaid internship if there was a solid job prospect after).
Am I being dillusional? Should I look towards non-finance industries? Appreciate the insight.
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