Career Discussions Anyone out there in the Private Equity or Venture Capital Space?

Anyone out there in the Private Equity or Venture Capital Space?

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      Anyone out there in the Private Equity or Venture Capital Space? If so, I would love to speak with you!

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      Hi, ‘m here working with an advisory firm for PE/VC.

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      Tony, I also work in VC on the west coast (CA). The work load for VC/PE associates is more tailored to ex-IB analysts/associates and potentially mgmt. consultants (this is less prevalent) than CFA types; as such, less value is assigned to the charter than other industries. Without the above attributes, one potential strategy would be to develop expertise in one of the focus verticals for a given firm. Also, many firms are now trying add value to their portfolio companies above and beyond investment capital (example: GoogleVentures has its own design staff among other things) so anything that you can leverage on that front would be an added benefit.

    • Avatar of Zee TanZee Tan
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        PE is more of an MBA play, is my understanding. As the PE business is looking at businesses rather than stock valuation, an MBA, or a history in leading/building businesses would be much more relevant.

        Are you looking to go into PE @tonypetrunin?

      • Avatar of tachemantacheman
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          Definitely MBA and work experience would be key in a PE and VC. I would say MBA is more important for PE. VC guys (senior ones) tend to be business owners rather than analysts.

        • Avatar of tachemantacheman
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            @tonypetrunin that’s an interesting observation. If many of the associates have CFAs it stands to reason that the firms value them. I’d try networking with them and asking them – you can also try and angle for interviews!

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            I had only 1 year in a PE role where my company invested in a few business and they had to be managed for eventual sale (but it’s no longer active in the sector since 2008 happened), so this may not be definitive. But it’s a nice to have qualification which still has relevance in terms of valuation, financial analysis etc. But @zee is also right in that the business/sector strategy aspect becomes more important (vs. a pure M&A role).

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            @niravjoshi1988 great! I am glad finally responded. I was getting a bit worried :/

            A few quick questions:
            – Where is your firm based?
            – In your opinion and from your experience, do you see it as a value for prospective associate-level candidates to have a CFA? What about strategy consulting experience?

            I only ask as it is my hope to break into the space in the near future.

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            @Tonypetrunin, go for it then! Never try, never know. By talking to them itself you’ll know what you’re looking for.

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            @Sophie @ Tacheman I certainly agree about the MBA. I obtained a Masters of Science recently and feel as though my employers and coworkers use it synonymous with the MBA. Regardless, I think a Master’s background is essential in either role really.

            Soooo how would one break into VC space without any entrepreneurial experience? Also, from the PE firms I am watching in the DFW area, I see most of the associates hold a CFA. Seems to be a standard. I am really curious as I could see myself entering the space in this role. What are your thoughts?

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