Transition to US VC / GE from Europe

Hi Monkeys!

After many years of reading uncountable topics, this is my very first post on WSO :)

I'm based in Europe with the following background: Ivy League EU equivalent -> MBB stint (2y) -> Operator at a fast growing tech startup (arrived after seed, lived big Series A & B with good traction from investors) (1y). My ultimate goal would be to join a solid VC / GE at some point. I'm not too worried about being able to make the transition in Europe. 

However, for personal reasons, I envisage to go to the US at some point (NY/SF) and am a lot more skeptical about my ability to make the transition. From what I've read on WSO, the US market is crazily competitive (a lot more than in Europe) and my startup not planning to expand to the US, I think I have close to 0 chances to make the jump directly. I see the following options:

  • Start in Europe in a good VC / GE firm and ask for an internal mobility (is it even possible?)
  • Go to US MBA (considering many fellows that I know, my chances at H/S/W should be relatively high) and make the transition post MBA

The MBA option is a little bit annoying for two reasons: 1) Being from Europe, I've already gone through BSc + MSc and 2) I'd like to stay 1 or 2 more years at my current startup (the adventure is fun, was there at the beginning, etc...) = post-MBA I will be in my very early 30s. Not a big deal but not ideal when compared to US-based people with the "classical" path BSc -> 2-year IB cycle -> 1-year startup -> Investor that become partner at 29/30

Happy to collect some thoughts or to see if other options should be considered.

3 Comments
 

Quod alias et nihil. Perspiciatis a beatae explicabo. Dolores et esse rerum quam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”