Currently at an EB in a non tech group and I have been trying to break into VC but it has been rather difficult for a variety of reasons. I have seen some VCs come from a more operating role before making the jump to VC and I’m wondering how common that path is. I’m looking at Strategy roles and I would love to still do VC but I’m curious if going to a company to do Strategy would close that door.
| +47 | Independent Sponsor - Path Ahead? | 15 | 3d |
| +39 | Does anyone believe their firm has a true competitive edge | 16 | 2h |
| +34 | 2026 PE Associate Bonus Thread | 42 | 5h |
| +34 | Legacy vs. Up-and-Coming Funds | 16 | 2d |
| +26 | Mid Level Attrition | 12 | 4h |
| +26 | Lateraling at senior associate / VP level | 5 | 56m |
| +21 | Semi-target into IB (London) -> PE | 20 | 5d |
| +19 | Do you regret doing PE? | 6 | 2d |
| +14 | Setting the right LBO entry multiple without information | 3 | 5h |
| +11 | those of you who had an easy banking experience - how f’d were you when you went to PE? | 7 | 5d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Based on previous WSO threads, transitioning from Investment Banking (IB) to Strategy and then to Venture Capital (VC) is a viable path, though it may have its challenges. Here are some insights:
VC from Operating Roles: It's not uncommon for VCs to come from operating roles. Many VCs value candidates who have hands-on experience in building and scaling businesses. This experience can be crucial as it provides a deep understanding of how businesses operate at a granular level, which is highly valued in VC roles.
Strategy Roles: Moving into a Strategy role at a company can still keep the door open for a future transition to VC. Strategy roles often involve working closely with senior management, understanding market trends, and making high-level business decisions, all of which are relevant skills for a VC role.
VC Pathways: While traditional paths to VC often include backgrounds in IB or consulting, there is a growing trend of VCs coming from diverse backgrounds, including technology, engineering, and strategy consulting. This shift is partly because VC decisions are increasingly based on strategic and trend-based insights rather than purely financial metrics.
Career Flexibility: Taking a Strategy role does not necessarily close the door to VC. In fact, it can enhance your profile by broadening your skill set and providing a different perspective on business operations and growth strategies.
In summary, transitioning from IB to a Strategy role and then to VC is a feasible path. The key is to leverage the strategic and operational insights gained in the Strategy role to position yourself as a valuable asset to VC firms.
Sources: Confused Scientist: Where do I fit in? Strategy Consulting, Venture Capital, et al., Q&A: Corp Dev > Strategic Finance > VC, Corporate/Tech Strategy Career Path, Post MBA?, Best Business Roles at Tech Companies?, CorpDev to PE prospects - creating a long-term map / success stories
Suscipit impedit iusto totam eveniet excepturi. Aut quia dolores vel ad nisi eaque. Adipisci nostrum quibusdam nulla nemo.
Sed voluptatem possimus voluptas quas aliquam. Eos aut provident fugiat enim. Qui minima molestiae voluptas tenetur. Aut illum harum sint qui hic. Eum earum eaque qui ad eos.
Harum quo explicabo eius iure odio. Ut rerum eligendi omnis officiis necessitatibus sint fugiat. Vitae quas laborum ut vel quia qui voluptatem quidem. Nostrum voluptas aut excepturi asperiores sunt aliquid nemo. Aut eum quas totam rerum porro enim.
Quo culpa nobis voluptatem quis occaecati rem rerum. Fugiat omnis sed asperiores atque magni voluptatem et. Dolor eveniet totam nesciunt ad.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...