Curious on your thoughts - I spent a few years in M&A before moving to VC. Been investing at series A for a few years now and am eager to get out of the bureaucracy of my fund and gain some autonomy working at a startup. The issue I have is that I’m not from a technical background, likely don’t have the chops to be a CFO, and have no interest in being in a sales position. Is my best bet heading to a late stage / series B/C company in some kind of ”strategic ops” role? Would appreciate any thoughts on where’s the best place to land given my limitations (and assuming I’m not ready to start my own company). Thanks in advance for any and all opinions.
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, transitioning from VC to a startup role without a technical or sales background can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some tailored suggestions for your situation:
Strategic Operations at a Late-Stage Startup:
This is indeed a strong option. Late-stage startups (Series B/C and beyond) often value individuals with VC experience for their ability to think strategically, understand scaling challenges, and navigate investor relations. Roles in strategic operations, business operations, or even corporate development could align well with your skill set.
Corporate Development or Strategic Finance:
Your M&A background could make you a great fit for corporate development or strategic finance roles. These positions often involve evaluating growth opportunities, partnerships, and acquisitions, which align with your previous experience.
Chief of Staff or Strategy Roles:
Many startups, especially those in growth stages, look for Chiefs of Staff or strategy leads to work closely with the CEO or executive team. These roles require a mix of strategic thinking, operational oversight, and cross-functional collaboration, which could leverage your VC and M&A expertise.
Product or Growth Strategy:
While you may not have a technical background, some startups value individuals with a strong understanding of market dynamics and scaling strategies. You could explore roles in product strategy or growth strategy, where your insights into scaling businesses and market trends could be highly valuable.
Targeting the Right Startups:
Focus on startups in industries where you’ve invested or have deep knowledge. Your ability to understand the nuances of these sectors will make you a more attractive candidate. Additionally, look for startups with smaller teams where you can wear multiple hats and have a tangible impact.
Equity and Long-Term Vision:
Since you’re leaving VC for autonomy and impact, prioritize startups where you believe in the mission and see long-term potential. Equity compensation can also be a significant motivator, especially if you’re joining a company poised for growth.
Remember, your VC experience gives you a unique perspective on what it takes to build and scale a successful company. Highlight this in your conversations with startups, and focus on roles where you can leverage your strategic insights and operational understanding.
Sources: Confused Scientist: Where do I fit in? Strategy Consulting, Venture Capital, et al., Q&A: Strategic Finance / Corp Dev at late-state technology company (series C+ / $2bn+ valuation), Q&A: From Sellside Research to Strategy & Finance at Rapid Growth Start-up, Q&A: Corp Dev > Strategic Finance > VC, Q&A: SVP with 15+ YOE BB -> MM -> MC (all M&A): A Long & Strange Trip
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