Should I leave VC for a fast-growing scaleup?

I've been an Analyst (will be promoted to Associate in Jan) since last year at a corporate VC in Europe. My background is investment banking.

A headhunter approached me recently from a fast-growing scaleup (raised ~€600m in total so far, growing 20% per month) with a semi-senior position called Finance Business Partner. Ive passed the case interview rounds and if I pass the last discussion round I will be offered the position. The tasks would involve: - Coordinateng with Country Managers, Regional & local Heads of Sales reviewing actual vs budget KPIs - Discussing and executing initiatives that would improve KPIs and financial - Etc

In terms of comp, currently I would earn €60k (+10% bonus) as an Associate at the corporate VC Im at, no carry. For the Finance Business Parner position I'm not sure what I should ask for but Im targeting €75k base.

Would you take it? Would I be able to get back into VC after this considering I only have 1 ys of experience in the space?

3 Comments
 

After a $600m raise I imagine they’re no longer in scrappy startup growth mode.

Probably much more corporate vibe than a startup culture and without meaningful early equity an exit isn’t going to move the needle for your bank account.

Depends on what your goals are and the experience you’re looking to gain but if it were me I’d stay at the VC firm and grow in your role there.

"Out the garage is how you end up in charge It's how you end up in penthouses, end up in cars, it's how you Start off a curb servin', end up a boss"
 

100% agree. If your goal is to learn an entirely new skillset (how to put out fires everywhere, wear multiple hats) and want equity upside, the move is working at a Series A or preferably Seed stage startup (honestly with how hot the market was last year I’d argue even Series A might be too late / your equity won’t be great). Of course, that requires a certain degree of risk tolerance + incredibly deep conviction in that startup.

 

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