Technology Startup to Investment Bank
I'm curious if anyone can provide any insight into this type of career transition. I have spent the last 3.5 years (into my mid 20s) working in various sales closing (enterprise account exec) and strategic business development roles at early and growth stage Tech Startups/businesses.
My end goal is VC or PE and feel that getting the experience IB brings (Overall business valuation,seeing transactions first hand, getting close to strategic decision making)to the table is more valuable than many realize, not to mention necessary. I have been apart of multiple acquisitions(helping to position ourselves to be attractive for acquisition), being in the company that was purchased or merged, but would like to be on the other side of the table.
I am a post MBA as well (not that I think that helps, to be honest), looking at boutique IB firms, not BB. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
It will be difficult, getting into investment banking is difficult anyone. potentially focusing on firms that have a focus in technology will help
Thanks
It depends on the type of firm that you are looking at some are more flexible to various backgrounds, while others want the typical background.
Is there any particular characteristics in boutique firms that hire varied backgrounds?
I broke into banking (at the analyst level) after working at a startup, but hopefully my experience in transitioning will be helpful.
Similar to your situation, I was involved in some M&A work/had a finance background, which helped get a couple of interviews. But I think the main differentiator was doing that type of work in a startup environment: lean teams, figuring out the solution to a new problem by yourself, working with little resources at hand, etc. Highlighting this really resonated with a bunch of my interviewers, so something to keep in mind as you go through the process and tune your story.
Coming from an untraditional background, I got pressed pretty hard on technicals, so I would make sure you feel comfortable with those too.
Thank you that's extremely helpful. I'm looking at some Boutiques as a good place to start and hoping that might be easier. I have my MBA, but not specific to finance(definitely a lot of finance), not at a top school. Do you think I need to take any addition classes, certifications or anything?
I don't think you need any additional classes or certifications personally, and not that many of my coworkers have them. Also, do you have any relationships with people at VCs through your past roles? Depending on your relationship with them, they could be good contacts to have while you're trying to make the move into the industry
Not sure if banking is your only end game (it reads like you just want transaction experience), but you likely have a better chance of getting into VC or growth equity given your background. Since sourcing volume / quality is one of the biggest predictors of success for these firms, people with enterprise sales backgrounds can sometimes get in on the origination side of the house, provided they have business acumen and can screen things at the right level.
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