Entrepreneur -> TMT Finance in PE, IB or ER
I am co-founder of a seed-funded startup within consumer internet & media at a tech startup. It looks unlikely we will go on to the next funding round. We are probably going to sell it primarily to give money back to our early investors.
Prior to this venture, I have worked at top companies in Silicon Valley including as an early pre-IPO employee at a very successful consumer internet company. I also have a PhD in Computer Science from Yale.
I am considering finding a role in finance after we sell our startup. I want to be involved in TMT sector (as I understand it very well), but am open to work within VC, PE, IB or ER.
Since I am in my mid-30s, I would not want to spend 2 years (or 3 including prep) for an MBA.
What would be the best path for me to complete this career transition?
A lot of these industries that you mentioned offer positions to experienced professionals. However, this hiring will happen more on an ad-hoc basis. You will also need to know various evaluation methods (the technicals).
You should read up about VC, PE, IB and ER and decide which industry will fit you the best. It highly depends on your character and what your end goal is. What is your end goal?
Thanks for the response. Yes, I need to better understand career path within VC, PE, IB and ER - also how the hiring process as it is not well structured. (Any pointers would be much appreciated.)
In terms of long term goals, I would like to leverage financial skills to improve operating performance or start new initiatives at the companies by working closely with senior managers over there. I would also not want to rule out returning to an operating role at the right company.
Honestly, just go through the sub-forums here. Spent an hour on each sector and you'll have a much better understanding!
That sounds a lot like consulting to me. Every thought about it? You might also fit in better there with your background.
definitely sounds like consulting, and as kinghongkong said, it may be easier for you to transition there. also sounds like you could find a bit of that in PE roles, and at a stretch maybe some VC roles (but this seems more unlikely). IB and ER are largely off the table in your scenario.
Screw consulting.
You are probably best fit for a hands-on late stage VC or growth equity firm focused on the tech space, where you would sit on the board of a bunch of companies (and provide strategic guidance) while also sourcing new deals.
You might consider getting CFA if you don't plan to do MBA.
Thanks for the comments. I have not considered consulting as am somewhat cynical about the entire profession (mostly believe they are pushing latest management fad or apply standard cost-cutting frameworks). I will look at them. I am leaning towards growth equity or late VC as duffmt6 suggested.
CFA is fine and probably a good learning experience and helpful if I stay long term (especially in public equity or asset management), but it may not help start with the career transition.
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