Biz Ops -> Investing Role

Transitioning from a business operations (biz ops) role at a company like Anduril to an investing role is certainly possible, but it comes with challenges and considerations. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:

1. Relevance of Biz Ops Experience:
   Biz ops roles can provide valuable exposure to strategic decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and operational insights. These skills are transferable to investing, especially in venture capital (VC) or growth equity, where understanding how businesses operate and scale is critical. However, the challenge lies in demonstrating how your experience directly aligns with the investing skill set, such as financial modeling, deal sourcing, and due diligence.

2. Perception of Biz Ops Background:
   While biz ops roles are respected, they are not traditionally seen as a direct feeder into investing roles. Firms may view candidates with prior investment experience (e.g., IB, PE, or VC internships) as more prepared for the technical and deal-oriented aspects of the job. That said, your extensive internship experience in growth equity and venture is a significant advantage and can help bridge this gap.

3. Networking and Storytelling:
   Breaking into investing from a non-traditional background often requires heavy networking and a compelling narrative. Highlight how your biz ops role has given you unique insights into operational challenges and opportunities, which can add value to an investment team. Pair this with your prior internship experience to demonstrate both operational and investing acumen.

4. Challenges to Overcome:

   • Technical Skills: Ensure you can showcase strong financial modeling and valuation skills, as these are often tested in interviews.
   • Perception of Fit: Some firms may question your commitment to investing, given your operational background. Be prepared to articulate why you’re making the transition and how your experience aligns with their needs.

5. How It’s Viewed:

   • In VC, operational experience is often valued, especially if you’ve worked at a high-growth or innovative company like Anduril.
   • In growth equity or private equity, the transition may be more challenging, as these roles tend to prioritize candidates with prior deal experience.

6. Actionable Steps:

   • Leverage your network, including contacts from your internships, to get warm introductions to investing roles.
   • Tailor your resume to emphasize your investing-related experience and skills.
   • Consider pursuing additional certifications or courses (e.g., financial modeling, CFA) to strengthen your technical foundation.
   • Target firms that value operational experience, such as VC funds with a focus on early-stage investments or growth equity firms that invest in operationally intensive businesses.

In summary, while the transition from biz ops to investing is not the most traditional path, your growth equity and venture internship experience, combined with strategic networking and a strong narrative, can make it achievable.

Sources: Q&A: I’ve held Pre-MBA MM LBO, Growth Equity and Venture Capital investment roles for funds with $500M+ AUM to $5B+ AUM, URGENT: Take offer at Insight or UMM fund?, Q&A: Returning to PE After a Year and a Half at a Series C Startup, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, Value Buy-out vs Growth Buy-out Discussion from Associate Perspective