Breaking into VC from IB?

I’m currently a 2nd year analyst in a mm m&a group. I’m interested in doing vc but unsure how to best position myself as I’ve mostly worked on industrial and consumer projects.

Any advice on how to interview and break into vc? 

4 Comments
 

Ah, the classic switch from Investment Banking to Venture Capital, a path well-trodden by many a finance whiz. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a bit of advice for you:

  1. Understand the VC Landscape: Venture Capital is a different beast compared to M&A. It's less about the numbers and more about the potential of an idea or a startup. So, start by understanding the VC landscape, the key players, the latest trends, and the hottest sectors.

  2. Network, Network, Network: This can't be stressed enough. Reach out to people in the VC industry. Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups. The WSO Networking Guide can be a great resource for this.

  3. Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your analytical skills, your ability to understand markets and industries, and your knack for spotting trends. These are all valuable in the VC world.

  4. Prepare for VC Interviews: VC interviews can be quite different from IB interviews. They might involve discussing investment theses, evaluating startups, and showcasing your understanding of the VC process. The WSO Company Database and the Private Equity Interview Prep can be helpful resources here.

  5. Consider a VC Internship: If possible, consider doing a VC internship. It can be a great way to get your foot in the door and gain some valuable experience.

Remember, the switch might not be easy, but with the right preparation and mindset, it's definitely achievable. Good luck, my friend!

Sources: Breaking into VC from undergrad...my story, Breaking into Venture Capital out of Undergrad??, VC -> IB SA?

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

VC is completely unstructured relative to IB/PE recruiting. Get on twitter, hop around linkedin and find conversations. Go to events -- ie tech events / startup weekends / VC meet ups. It's really just a personal branding game. Follow some verticals you like. but rly just meet ppl and make good impressions and something will come thru. or u could try building first at a Series a / b.

 

Odit enim provident nihil voluptas aut eius voluptatibus id. Eveniet ut qui ex. Rerum nobis ea repudiandae architecto. Cum tempora unde error voluptas deleniti. Consequuntur incidunt et dolorum quas.

Iure iure reiciendis accusantium est praesentium autem modi. Repellat iure inventore eum quia. Ut sed ut qui cumque iusto maxime architecto iste. Et cumque tempore corrupti. Sit earum animi necessitatibus voluptatem ipsa. Dolores delectus impedit et explicabo nulla autem repellendus. Aut libero asperiores autem dicta aut officiis fugit.

Laudantium a enim deserunt enim. Eveniet id omnis assumenda. Qui nostrum neque optio reiciendis vel. Quod adipisci architecto officiis. Nulla est et consectetur omnis. Corrupti voluptas qui sint dolorum quia qui.

Est facere similique ipsum temporibus facere reprehenderit accusamus. Ut illum enim ut illo quis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”