Breaking into VC

Hi!!--Damn getting into VC requires determination huh

A bit about me:

Left my BB sell-side entry-level equities job as my health deteriorated to where that was my only option. Went to a non-target and studied finance. I got well (health-wise) and decided to start a company cuz why not...didn't have a job anyway! I called it an "experiment" and kept it small as I mostly just wanted to get back on my feet and see what it's like running a company. Long story short, learned a TON but I don't see this being what I dedicate the next decade to and I would rather go back to work (VC would be ideal) and keep the door open to start a company later on with all that I have learned. I am still running this small-but-barely-profitable business and it really is what I am relying on to pay bills at this point.

Questions:

1. Does this sound like a decent background to land a VC offer?

2. As for interviews, I am monitoring for job openings on blogs and applying to those, but not many fish are taking the bait. Any recommendations as to actually getting the interview? I don't have connections and the thought of cold emailing "just to chat" makes me cringe...I generally cold email people at the companies where I see openings politely letting them know I applied and I exist

3. For interviews, I mainly am trying to stay up to speed with current events, have a few cos ready to pitch, learn some on cap tables, and act like a decent human in interviews. LMK if you have suggestions on actually passing interviews. I got 1 so far but only just started trying ish

4. If any of you have advice or are in a similar boat feel free to PM me... happy to chat a bit about VC... on my mind a lot now

7 Comments
 

Breaking into VC definitely requires determination and persistence. Here are some insights based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Background for Landing a VC Offer

  • Experience: Your background in running a small business and your previous experience in a BB sell-side equities job provide a solid foundation. The entrepreneurial experience is particularly valuable in VC as it shows you understand the challenges startups face.
  • Health Recovery: Overcoming health issues and starting a company demonstrates resilience and initiative, which are attractive traits in the VC world.

2. Getting Interviews

  • Networking: While cold emailing might be uncomfortable, networking is crucial. Consider attending industry events, joining relevant online communities, and leveraging LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field.
  • Persistence: Growth/VC highly value persistence. Keep applying and networking. Even if you don't have direct connections, showing consistent interest and effort can pay off.
  • Target Firms: Focus on firms that have a traditional analyst class, such as Bessemer and Insight, as they might be more open to hiring someone with your background.

3. Passing Interviews

  • Preparation: Stay updated with current events in the VC world. Resources like TechCrunch, Axios Pro Rata, Stratechery, VentureBeat, and PitchBook can be very helpful.
  • Pitching Companies: Have a few companies ready to pitch. This shows you can identify potential investments and understand market trends.
  • Cap Tables: Learning about cap tables is essential. Books like "Venture Deals" and "The Business of VC" can provide valuable insights.
  • Behavioral Techniques: Demonstrate your ability to act like a decent human in interviews. Show your passion for the industry and your willingness to learn and grow.

4. Additional Advice

  • Community Engagement: Engage with the VC community on platforms like WSO. Sharing your journey and seeking advice can open up new opportunities.
  • Persistence and Adaptability: Keep pushing forward. The VC industry values persistence and the ability to adapt and learn from experiences.

Feel free to reach out to others in the community for more personalized advice and support. Good luck on your journey into VC!

Sources: A Tale of 3 Offers: What should I consider?, Corporate Development: My Experiences and Background, Clarity on the Growth Equity Landscape, Get an edge on the competition - ask Vantage Point MBA your business school application questions, Seeking advice - Decade of experience in niche sector and laid off

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I definitely can relate. I worked in IB (2 yrs) then at a HF (1 yr) before starting my own business. What type of response have you had with recruiting/networking in terms of your background? Now that I'm 3 years into my business, I'm looking to return to the workforce and feel drawn to the entrepreneurial aspects of VC. Advice on the best strategies to make this pivot are appreciated.

 

Vel itaque commodi ullam saepe natus. A vero sint assumenda sunt est deleniti est.

Molestiae sequi qui voluptatem enim et aliquid exercitationem reprehenderit. Officiis illum possimus aperiam quis. Consequatur qui est delectus et et saepe officia quae.

Nulla consectetur commodi recusandae adipisci voluptatem alias. Consequatur officia quis consequatur. Dolore ut itaque quia autem ut.

 

Non rem aut nam sapiente quisquam. Nostrum qui dolores atque reiciendis ipsa maiores pariatur. Minima sed impedit voluptatibus omnis et ut. Nostrum ut rerum laborum voluptatibus. Ab saepe corporis quos cumque. Est voluptas ipsa magni consequuntur ut consequatur nobis. Qui dolor laudantium dolor ut laboriosam quas numquam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”