Final interview with a VC firm - How much fund performance info can I request
In the final stage of interviews with a well-known VC firm for an associate role but I don't know have any data on their track record or fund performance... How much data can I ask for?
In a perfect world I would get TVPI and DPI for funds raised between 2010 and 2017 as well as the TVPI on fund raised since 2017 but I'm not sure if that's a fair thing to ask. I don't want to ask for things that aren't realistic but I want to know if the group I'm joining has a good track record.
What's standard to ask for?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know about requesting fund performance information during your final interview with a VC firm:
Standard Information to Request:
Track Record of the Managers:
Key Performance Metrics:
Performance Comparison:
Specific Data Points:
Additional Considerations:
Realistic Expectations:
Conclusion:
Requesting TVPI and DPI for specific periods is reasonable and aligns with standard practices in the industry. It’s important to ensure the firm’s track record aligns with your career goals and expectations.
For more detailed discussions and insights, you can refer to the following WSO threads: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/distressed-investi…</a">Distressed Investing: This Time It's Different - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/is-private-equity-…</a">Is Private Equity a Low-IQ Approach to Finance?
Good luck with your interview!
Sources: Distressed Investing: This Time It's Different, PE interview question - If you can only know 3 things for an investment analysis?, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, I've raised money for PE and HFs. Q&A, Is Private Equity a Low-IQ Approach to Finance?
For funds between 2010 and 2017? Should be a fairly trivial search on PitchBook. For funds since 2017, you can probably triangulate based upon the top ~20% of the portfolio. If large pension funds are LPs, they also probably have resources available on their sites.
Either way, probably not good to rock the boat on such a sensitive topic with GPs as a new hire that will statistically not be there for the long run.
Nothing good is going to come from it, don't do it bro
I think those are reasonable requests
I've always asked those details and never been denied. Why not ask? What's the downside?
I wouldn't ask for TVPI/DPI, the only thing it does is make it look like your requesting "confidential" information (" " because you can probably find it on pitchbook, but it is still non-public information typically) not under an NDA.
Depending on the fund stage, take a look at their exits, and if they're earlier stage and have 2 - 3 unicorns or close to it, they're probably top quartile. If they're later stage maybe 4-6 unicorns for top quartile.
Nonetheless, don't ask and secure the offer, then maybe ask around in your network to narrow down what their performance is like.
Good luck on the interview
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