Path to VC
I am a rising senior at H/Y/P/W. I ultimately want to work in VC in NYC. Post grad I would like to spend some time traveling or living somewhere in Europe. What are some potential roles/grad school routes I could take to set myself up for a career in VC while spending some time in Europe?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and potential routes to set yourself up for a career in Venture Capital (VC) while spending some time in Europe:
Potential Roles and Routes:
Investment Banking (IB) or Private Equity (PE) Roles:
Networking and Warm Introductions:
Graduate School Routes:
Internships and Early-Stage Roles:
Considerations:
Summary:
To set yourself up for a career in VC while spending time in Europe, consider starting in IB or PE, leveraging networking opportunities, pursuing an MBA from a top European school, and gaining experience through internships or roles in startups. Focus on building a strong network and gaining relevant experience in the European VC ecosystem.
Sources: How to land a job in Venture Capital in Europe (London)?, Current VC associate taking questions, How much travel is there in Venture Capital?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/venture-capital/career-in-vc?customgpt=1, Breaking into Venture Capital out of Undergrad??
Index Ventures is one of only well known VC firms that has a large presence in Europe and the US while making great investments in both continents. They have offices in London, NYC, and a few other cities.
Go to their team page and look at the background of their associates and VP/Principals. Try reaching out to shared alumni too.
Plenty of larger US firms (Accel, Sequoia, Index etc) will have teams across geos. A good chunk of your dealflow, especially as you get more senior, becomes local though. If you spent 5 years in the Bay Area and then move to London to the European deal, your network takes a discount. It is however feasible once you get work experience at one great fund to move to another one, also across the pond.
Almost all top funds here in London hire MBB (Mainly McK) + a few years at a startup / IBD + a few years of startup types of profiles. I would try to start your VC career either at an elite US firm and then move over, or just try to start at a very strong European fund directly. Your network will be more local than you think, and it takes a while to fully develop, so the more years you spend in the ecosystem you want to stay long term the better your VC career will likely be.
Helpful! I did 4 years in IB at a BB and then spent the last year trying to start my own start up - is that a decent background for a top fund?
Just getting started here, so unsure how the recruitment works? Based in Europe, so looking in London - but is it cold email / HH? Thanks a lot
Yes it is, they want to see a demonstrated interest in startups (and you tick that box). The better the startup did, the more brownie points you get.
Most larger VCs have an in-house talent team that helps with recruitment, but a large part of candidates will come from network so networking will also help a ton. Feel free to DM me if you want.
Most VCs I have met operate some form of an EU network or office. Have been to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Berlin, London, (..) - it's a pretty big market for VC and several niche industries.
How open are VCs to hiring folks that did IB --> Growth --> Startup / growth stage co? For example 2 yr banking + 2 yr growth + few years in an operating role?
I'll offer a counter view. I don't know if living/traveling in Europe is very conducive to a future career in VC (I have a bias here due to the industry sectors I cover). A lot dealflow and work comes from city-centric networks, and some of the best VCs I know have immersed themselves in the Bay Area or NYC startup communities. It's tough to do all that from Europe. Perhaps consider spending a lot of personal time in Europe, and focusing your career prospects around NYC?
What do you think of the AI/Fintech VC scene here?
Here as in NYC or SF? I personally have better insight into the Bay Area.
Similar position here but no buy-side experiences. Did 4 years at BB IB > my own start up for the past year. Now trying VC/ Growth - having difficulties gaining traction again (from my IB days) with HH, any suggestions? How would you approach those working at VC / Growth?
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