VC Associate Position? Or try IB

I have been offered an intern position for this summer along with a full time offer for December when I graduate. Via the phone call, I would be starting after grad as an associate instead of an analyst. I was interested in investment banking but I do have interest in start up ventures. The few questions I have are:

  1. What would a possible compensation of an entry level VC associate at a new (2018) fund in Minneapolis?

  2. Do I still try and go into IB or do I pursue the VC route?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but usually there aren't really "analysts" in VC. The starting position is typically "associate" so you are at the right spot. Honestly if you have an offer, love the team, and have a real passion for start ups I would do that. Only issue is lateraling might be more difficult later on, but nonetheless VC is an something bankers want to do after they exit so if you are already there I don't see why you wouldn't. But that is just my opinion and there might be advantages to doing banking before VC, even if you already have a VC offer, that I didn't consider

 

There aren’t really analysts because most reputable VC shops (not all) hire bankers from BB/EB/top MM therefore they come in as associates.

Also if you can land a BB/EB (yes even DB) I would more likely suggest to take that IB offer.

Im currently at an EB (think pjt/evr/cvp) and when I recruited I was contacted with MF PE/VC/ top HF opportunities. Sure lower BBs (UBS/DB) may not get all those looks but I see/know analysts that still place into reputable UMM/MM PE shops and a couple VC/growth equity shops. So why not just do two years banking and shoot for the best exits instead of ending up at a no-name VC shop in the middle of nowhere.

 

I took a look at the firm based on your descriptors and it looks more growth equity than venture capital. Comp is likely under market, I would do good Minneapolis IB (HW, Piper, HLHZ, Lazard) over this gig, but this over other Minneapolis IB. Most of the firm founders look pretty established and pedigrees are legit for especially for a Midwest firm so you might not have the same growth opportunities you would have if it was two principals from like Norwest hanging their own shingle.

It’s like joining Stonepeak from inception versus joining Owl rock. More opportunity at Stonepeak initially because less institutionalized at beginning.

 

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