Have there been any traders who were also interested in VC and if so how did you choose?

I've been recently interested in VC even though I've always told myself I want to be a trader. I have a few offers at market-making firms but actually had a weird and unique opportunity to interview for a VC analyst role in an industry I'm incredibly passionate about. I enjoy the research aspect and learning about the industry as a whole and it's so incredibly fast paced it seems like there's always something new and exciting to learn about. 

I think the biggest difference to me is that trading is definitely more of a call option on myself. If I'm good at what I do I'll be rewarded early on and there's a much more meritocratic structure than at a VC firm. I think that at the VC firm it would be a bit more structured although still a bit loose since the role is at one of the traditional funds branching into crypto so it already must be a fast paced role. 

Additionally, I have no idea how much these roles pay juniors or the career progression. I'm about to search up the progression for some of the larger VC funds and how comp is paid out, but my trading offer is about 250K TC which I know is definitely not going to be what I'd get at a VC I believe. I feel like going from Trading to VC is possible in crypto since most crypto trading firms are active ecosystem partners and it make sense to understand the product you trade and the project you make markets for. I feel like going from VC to Trading is going to be incredibly difficult unless I get a masters in something quantitative or maybe it's a portfolio company?

Any insight would be valuable. Thanks!

 

For me personally, it was a matter of time horizon. In trading, you can test your hypothesis and be proven right/wrong very quickly (prop rather than market making, but your doors will follow as such). VC was much more bigger picture. I chose the former. Comes down to personal preference.

 
Most Helpful

Doloremque ea hic ipsa consequatur. Dolor qui rerum adipisci dolores adipisci quisquam eos.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”