Breaking into VC from tech IB

I’m an incoming first year at a top tech group in the bay and I’m interested in learning more about venture type roles that may be available to someone with banking experience. What is associate recruiting like for these roles? What is comp typically like? How are hours? What is career progression like at these shops?

It’s my understanding that a lot of VCs are former founders and banking isn’t typically the preferred background for VC shops. Can anyone speak to this?

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Also at a top tech group in the bay. Depends on stage, early stage definitely more of an uphill battle as most junior vcs come from startups or have tech backgrounds.

On the "late stage venture" to growth side, you do see a ton of bankers. Look at associates at firms like Accel, Redpoint, IVP, Norwest, NEA, Bond etc. pretty much all tech bankers. Think recruiting is a mix of HH as well as probably some networking on the side as these firms are pretty small a lot of times so can't hurt getting your face in front of some people I would assume. 

Do not have a ton of insight into lifestyle as I have never worked in vc but assume it has to be more chill than banking. I am sure there is still an aspect of grinding and always being on, especially if you are out sourcing and meeting founders, but I would take that any day compared to the bs we do all night in banking. Career progression seems to be mostly exiting to a good portco for a little get some operational experience (then maybe try to jump back in), or keep jumping around peer firms for higher positions until you can lock down a partner spot somewhere.  

 

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