VC Frustration

Hello,


I have been working at startup VC fund for awhile now. I had some early frustrations but given the startup nature and the fact I came from an IB background I wanted to give it a shot before making any rash conclusions. I have been an associate for a year and a half and though we have made decent strides I think my firm has some fundamental issues that don't align with my values, work style, and long term goals -- I think its not a fit for me.


Why am I posting?


For those with a similar background (ex-IB or ex-PE) now in VC - how have you found VC? Did you move to another VC shop and find your fit? Does Growth Equity offer a nice blend of quantitive and qualitative analysis? 


Thanks in advance. Appreciate any and all discussion around this topic.

 
Most Helpful

Its been an year and half for me at an early stage fund, moved here from PE.

I attest to your frustrations. 

I really enjoy the work, but the investments you do are a function of the partners. I am pretty much frustrated that 80% of my deals dont go through because of my partners' attitude. I remember once we were just starting the DD stage and the founding partner said I dont think this is a good investment because of no logic but his gut and we pulled out. 

At the start of my career I wanted to close great deals, futuristic startups to build my personal brand as to grow as a VC. But I quickly realised you need to do your DD as well on the fund thesis and fundamentals. 

Having said that I sometime get frustrated by the pay. The majority of the wealth comesments from the carry and getting points on that from partner is not an easy task. 

Also. I feel the investments atleast at an early stage are more of a bet on a sector and the founding team and not on the business (as it does not exists). 

I too feel getting in a growth stage VC will be the best blend, you develop enough depth in a sector and there are some numbers to play with. Also, the pay is better if you want to settle and start a family etc.

In conclusion I do like my work as a VC and I intend to stay here, but my next switch will be a more targeted one

Happy to deep dive on specific points

 

Nulla ad odio dolorum doloremque. Tempora architecto quis omnis atque nobis sunt quos. Molestias nemo ratione impedit atque. Molestiae nulla sit deserunt illo.

Placeat nihil non tenetur aliquam. Beatae accusamus autem similique non aliquid. Fuga consectetur tenetur reiciendis aut voluptate aliquam. Possimus eum pariatur aspernatur reiciendis.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
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...”