VC partner track ....without MBA???
From my understanding most people get into VC after IB and then must get an MBA to move up.....but what happens if you decide for whatever reason you don't want to do an MBA?? Will smaller VC firms consider you for advanced "partner-track" positions? Do lots of doors open with a few years in VC?? Can people comment on their personal experiences or observations?
Most people don't get in to VC after IB... most ppl get in to VC after entrepreneurship (or engineering etc)... and that's how you get to be a partner as well. Do you really think Mark Zuckerberg would look kindly on someone who never created a dollar of value telling him how to run his company, just because he has an MBA from HBS?
In all seriousness, though, while most VC partners have MBA's, it's certainly doable without one. The most surefire way to become a VC partner is to be an entrepreneur first. Even if you fail, the fact that you'll have substantial operational experience, domain expertise, and a large network of contacts will make you a really good candidate for VC's.
OK, well i got 2 questions: 1. Would entrepreneurial/start-up/operational/etc experience be helpful in getting into VC after a 1-3 year stint in a start up right fater undergrad? Or are we only talking about SERIOUS operational experience, ie being in upper management in a startup/entrepreneurial comapny? 2. If I'm not mistaken, VC and growth equity funds are usually industry-focused....does your operational experience uaually have to be in that industry? Or at least in a related indusry?
Many routes to VC, however, there isn't a single 'traditional' one like there is with PE or IB. If you're coming out of ugrad, I'd look to either start your own company or join one. After 3yrs or so, get a top 10 mba, then look to get into VC. Hopefully you've developed some casual relationships with Associates and possibly Partners at various VC firms during your time with the startup and at b-school. This isn't as hard as some people make it out to be. Just look to attend pitch competitions and other events and really network. Feel free to PM me if you have other questions or want to know more, i work in VC. Most importantly, ex-IB folks have VERY little to offer venture capital firms. The firms that employ ex-IB analysts are usually more early PE (as opposed to VC) and their analysts are usually doing more grunt modeling work, rather than really getting out there and talking to entrepreneurs and leading due dili on potential deals.
To your specific questions - 1. Early stage startup experience is ideal, not big company middle management. Try to be at least employee number 30 or lower. 2. It obviously helps to have specific domain knowledge/experience with that of the VC firm you're hoping to work for. However, it doesn't have to be exact. ie...if you're startup is healthcare focused, you're probably not going to be a good fit for a tech/digital media firm and vice versa.
hi can I pm you ?
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