Want to leave my Decacorn Strategy Job for VC, but Pay is Too Good Compared to VC?
Would love any thoughts on my situation, thank you in advance.
Did IB at a BB in NYC. After that, I hae been working at a Decacorn on their strategy team. Life dream and goal has always been Tech / Software VC.
I think my resume is strong and I will have a decent time in recruiting, but the issue is, after a full year at the decacorn, my total comp was $260k. Hours were ~35 hours a week. Obviously, this is insane and I feel like I am in a very good position and would be foolish to leave. I really want VC (I do not enjoy the work that much at my current job), but I am seeing that junior associate roles would pay $110-$115k all in. Is this market? Thoughts? What would you do in my position?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your situation is a classic trade-off between short-term financial security and long-term career fulfillment. Here are some key considerations:
Compensation Reality in VC:
Junior associate roles in VC typically pay around $110K-$115K all-in, which aligns with the market. For example, WSO data shows VC associates earning $100K base with bonuses ranging from $50K to $70K, depending on performance and deal sourcing. However, carry (profit-sharing) is usually not available at the junior level, and the financial upside in VC comes much later in your career (e.g., VP or Principal level).
Work-Life Balance:
Your current role offers an exceptional work-life balance (35 hours/week) with a total comp of $260K. In contrast, VC roles may demand more hours, especially during deal cycles, and the pay cut is significant. If work-life balance is a priority, this is worth considering.
Passion vs. Pay:
If your "life dream" is to work in Tech/Software VC, the intrinsic motivation and long-term satisfaction might outweigh the short-term financial hit. However, you should assess whether the VC lifestyle (e.g., sourcing deals, networking, and diligence) aligns with your expectations and whether you're prepared for the financial trade-off.
Strategic Transition:
Given your strong resume (BB IB + Decacorn strategy), you are well-positioned for VC recruiting. However, you might consider targeting firms that offer higher compensation or focus on later-stage VC or growth equity, where pay is closer to your current level. For example, late-stage VC and growth equity roles often pay more competitively, with some overlap in responsibilities.
Alternative Pathways:
If you're hesitant to take the immediate pay cut, consider staying in your current role while networking with VCs, building relationships, and potentially transitioning into a more senior VC role later. Alternatively, you could explore angel investing or advisory roles in the VC ecosystem to stay connected to the industry without leaving your high-paying job.
Long-Term Financial Upside:
While VC pay is lower initially, the potential for carry at senior levels (e.g., VP, Principal, MD) can be substantial. For instance, carry for VPs can range from $0M-$1M, and for MDs, it can reach $3M-$9M, as per WSO data. If you're committed to the long-term VC path, this could be a worthwhile investment in your career.
What Would Max the Monkey Do?
If I were in your shoes, I'd weigh the following:
- If the passion for VC outweighs the financial hit, go for it—but target firms with better comp structures or later-stage focus.
- If you're unsure, leverage your current role to build VC connections and transition later when the financial gap is less daunting.
- Remember, the grass isn't always greener, but if VC is your dream, sometimes you have to take a calculated leap to chase it.
Good luck, and may your next move be as strategic as your current role! 🐒
Sources: A Tale of 3 Offers: What should I consider?, Transitioning from tech to a serious finance job (yes, you read that right), Leave well-known MM ER firm after 2-4 months for new VC firm?, 4 Real-Life Consulting Exit Opps of My Former Colleagues, Q&A: Corp Dev Professional at Large-Cap Tech Company
At a BB and recruiting for both startups and VC right now. The associate roles I’ve been interviewing for have been around $150 all in (125 base + 25 bonus) but have seen ranges at small funds as low as $85k with an Analyst title (even tho they want 2YOE which is crazy to me). Feel like u could probably try to come in as a Sr Associate with slightly higher comp given your current experience ?
Just went through the same thing for VC and unless you're at a big asset aggregator, I saw that TC generally was capped at around $150K.
I would not try to optimize for salary at this stage of your career. Careers like venture can lead to exponential compensation increases over time (the best VCs are billionaires). What matters more is setting yourself up to be where you want to be long term, learning the right things, being in the right field, and being around the right people. If you genuinely want to be a VC, go for it and don't worry about the salary today (as long as it's within market). You'll be better set long term, and hopefully you'll actually enjoy the job.
The best way to find a job in VC is to keep ringing them deals or to send them a thesis on an investment area in which they are less familiar and teach them something. There isn’t a formal process for most firms. It’s about showing value and being seen as essential to the team.
Actually, I’d be more interested to learn about your experience in strategy at a decor company. That sounds really exciting.
Your current gig sounds great…how did you land it?
Hey man, would love to hear about your (then) current position and how you prepped for it etc.
Temporibus fugiat optio voluptates. Vel perspiciatis veritatis et culpa. Ut ipsum laboriosam animi doloribus dolores sed. Quam in temporibus facere officia porro.
Sequi et aut unde aliquam voluptates molestias. Et voluptas qui magnam quia enim facilis. Quidem dolore hic delectus rerum vero aliquid omnis. Et ut autem beatae doloremque.
Nemo in temporibus facere rem assumenda animi possimus. Est accusantium dicta aut. Voluptatem rem natus numquam sunt sed accusamus. Laborum magnam ut vel aperiam. Tempore earum autem nostrum veniam.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...