VC interview

Hi everyone, I have been working in the investment banking industry for the past nine months, primarily focusing on raising capital for startups and providing financial services such as financial modeling and valuation. My long-term goal has always been to transition into venture capital to be on the side of investing in startups.

I have an interview scheduled with a VC firm tomorrow, and it is a brief 15-minute session. I am seeking your advice on how to best prepare for this interview and what key aspects I should focus on.

Additionally, I have a 14-month gap in my professional history due to a period of mental illness. I am uncertain whether I should disclose this honestly if asked about the gap, or if it would be more appropriate to present it differently.

Could you please provide guidance on the following:

1) Key preparation points for a 15-minute VC interview.
2)The best approach to addressing my 14-month gap if it comes up during the interview.

Thank you for your time.

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7 Comments
 
Most Helpful
  1. Why VC (you should have this nailed down pat), some very basic idea of what makes a good startup [the people (milk this if it’s earlier stage fund), ARR, margins, churn, CAC, PMF etc.], if it’s a vertical focused fund like fintech they’ll ask why that vertical specifically. I’d imagine this 15 min call is gonna be conversational about the fund and why you’re interested in the fund/VC overall. Nothing crazy.

  2. If they ask, tell them it was for personal health reasons. That’s all you need to say. Anyone who’s actually a good person will respect this, and if they press you about it you likely don’t want to work there anyways.
 

Hi, I wanted to share an update. I have been selected for an in-person interview with the partners. I'm seeking guidance on how to best prepare for this opportunity, as I am uncertain about what to expect and how to effectively prepare. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Just had my first final round VC interview yesterday. It will be very difficult - I almost certainly won’t get an offer. All I can recommend is Google VC interview prep and be confident.

Good luck my friend, if it doesn’t work out there will be more opportunities.

 

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