VC to IB. Does this ever happen?

Yes, I already used the search bar and couldn't find anything on the topic. All I found was compensation comparison between VC and PE.

I recently jumped into the interview process at a Midwest VC shop, but I know I want to do IB. Is the VC analyst --> MBA --> IB Associate route common?

 

Definitely very doable with an MBA. In the midwest you could maybe even network and lateral to IB after a year or two. Why do you want IB over VC?

 

Does the size of the fund matter? Its a smaller fund with IB than VC:

  1. I don't think I have the long term risk tolerance for VC.
  2. Compensation would be better in IB (or PE)
  3. I like the idea of buying a company outright (or advising) in an M&A deal rather than investing in portions of equity.
  4. From what I've heard, hours are better in VC, but I don't mind working longer for more comp and work that I find more interesting.
  5. I would much rather value a company based on cash flows and comps than revenue multiples.
Don't @ me
 

It's certainly a very plausible route. In terms of how common: it may appear uncommon but that's only because there are very few pre-MBA VCs to begin with. Then among those, most want to go back into VC or go to a startup or a more entrepreneurially-minded corporate. Most VCs have the entrepreneur goal in one flavor or another.

For the few pre-MBA VC's who would rather do banking, it makes a ton of sense and you're really well positioned for it.

 

Financial analyst over market analyst was definitely my goal, but they're looking for someone with more experience for the financial analyst (they weren't really clear in the job description). MBA is definitely an option for me. PE would be a good fit for the same reasons I listed above about IB.

AUM mm

Don't @ me
 

Ah, it may be difficult to go directly --> MBA --> PE, depending on what size fund you're targeting. It's great out of school experience that I won't knock, but if you can, I'd try to trade up in size for a bit before hitting your MBA.This also depends on your current funds trajectory. Are these ex-KP partners who started a lifestyle fund for funsies? Or are they non-institutional grade investors trying their hand at something new?

 

To answer OP, no it is not very common for the main reasons stated above that 1) there aren't many VC analysts/associates to begin with and 2) most people go from sellside to buyside and not the other way around.

That said, it really depends on the quality of the fund. 25 people at a regional midwest city with a small fund size is very different than working at NEA, Sequoia, etc.

You can probably compare comp to get a sense of where your current fund falls on the prestige scale. As an analyst you would expect to get $150-$200K all-in at a reputable bank. Is that in line with your current comp? If yours looks more like $55K base with a 20% bonus than you are more likely at a bucket shop and a move to a higher level firm probably makes complete sense.

 

Ad unde sunt libero ut amet dolorem similique saepe. Quis maxime enim eos ducimus debitis minima. Magnam facere dolore est possimus sunt cumque ea. Maxime vel id quo ut. Ea in voluptatem et vitae atque voluptas. In est laborum at voluptas eos sed.

Quo nemo quisquam maxime esse. Iure veritatis itaque error natus. Ex veniam tempora vitae corporis cum consequatur eum. Molestiae magni molestiae sit ducimus quisquam autem.

Eos unde pariatur ut distinctio itaque. Cum temporibus consequatur quia iste culpa.

Rerum et illum repudiandae temporibus sint assumenda sequi. Hic possimus eligendi delectus similique. Alias hic voluptatum voluptates dolor modi eum omnis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 18 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”