Principal: Ceiling in VC?

In IBD you have a straight shot to VP if you don't screw up. To cross over in MD you need serious rainmaking ability.

How does it work for VC? My understanding is that post-IBD (2-3 years as analyst, let's say), you get placed with a VC, spend 2-3 years as associate, 2-3 years as VP.

Is it a straight shot to Principal? i get the impression that it is the final title you reach just by virtue of not screwing up.

How difficult is the Principal to Partner jump? At this stage I assume you have to have hit some grand slams in terms of sourcing (if you are at a smile and dial kind of VC) OR have enough capital and political clout among the partners to put in a few $MM.

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[quote]The HBS guys have MAD SWAGGER. They frequently wear their class jackets to boston bars, strutting and acting like they own the joint. They just ooze success, confidence, swagger, basically attributes of alpha males.[/quote]
 

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