First Job at a specialized VC

Hi Monkeys,

I am about to finish my masters degree in Europe and i have the opportunity to join a small ($100m AuM) VC firm that is highly specialized. Past returns have been strong. I have been thinking a lot about this opportunity but i am not sure about the Long Term Career Prospects and the skills I will acquire. What do you guys think in comparison to Consulting? What are my Exit options?  is a transition to another VC with a different Focus or to PE/Consulting possible at a later Stage?
Usual MBA path is not an option, as I will Not Go back to school with a master degree.

Cheers

Roberto

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

So this is a huge it depends moment. Specialized is certainly better than generalist funds. Founders want capital but they also want people who get what they’re building.

Exit ops depends on your previous experience but I would argue unless you’re at a Sequoia/a16z/Accel you’re less likely to break into PE afterwards. A lot of VC is much more qualitative analysis and running due diligence differently than how you would at your typical IB/PE seat. It’s different because a lot of these startups are pre-revenue with no customers or LOIs signed. It’s just an idea.

Exits I’ve seen: chief of staff at a startup in the sector you used to cover, Sr. Associate/principal at another VC firm, business development at a startup, consulting, and one person who went from IB>VC>PE but they did primarily later stage investments and were only in VC 1yr. VC also makes no sense and there's no "path" per se so you could also end up doing whatever it is you planned on doing.

 

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