Where to find startups to join?

I'm looking at exiting into strategy/dev at a start-up, preferably west coast. At a relevant group (TMT or a more concentrated version, M&A, CNR) with good dealflow (not #1 but top 5 in the field). How would I go about even finding a start-up to join? 

 

I’ve worked with a number of start ups since I was in high school. The key is to be proactive because you can really find founders anywhere. In fact some of the founders I’ve worked with are people I connected with right here on WSO. Others are like friends of friends of friends or a cousins neighbor or just something random. The right people to connect with are out there, you just have to be on the lookout.

 

A good way is to follow VCs on Twitter and keep an eye out that way as articles/reports/discussions pop up. Also look at top VC portfolio companies based on what size startup you are looking to join (ie look at early stage VC portcos if interested in early stage and so on).

You have to think like a VC to make this decision because while you’re not betting capital you are betting time and part of your career (not to mention the stock options you’ll get).

 

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