HBS VC Pathways - Breaking into Venture Capital
Think you want to become a VC, but not sure what the job really entails or how to break into the industry? VC is an apprenticeship and a never-ending learning journey, but HBS VC Pathways is a new program designed for RCs to understand upfront whether this journey is a fit for them and start preparing for summer internship recruiting process in VC.
Session 1: Is VC for Me? If so, which VC fund
- Topics covered:
- What do you think it takes to be a great VC - particularly in today’s competitive landscape?
- What criteria did you consider when deciding what kind of fund to join (or start)?
- What do you look for when recruiting investors to join your fund?
- What was your own personal journey into VC ?
- Why did you pursue VC?
- What did it take for you to learn “the VC job” and what would you recommend to learn the “basic ropes” of VC? (Or is there even such a thing, as people often refer to it as an apprenticeship?)
- What would you recommend as a path for others interested to pursue VC?
- Considerations, qualifications, expectations?
- Would you recommend VC student scout opportunities for example?
- What’s your favorite part and least favorite part about the VC job?
Session 2: Building an Investment Thesis
- Topics covered:
- Tell me about your thesis
- Why did you decide to focus on XYZ domain?
- How did you go about building your thesis?
- How does your thesis give you an advantage in sourcing and selecting investment opportunities?
- What advice might you share on how to select an area of focus for a new investor?
Session 3: Sourcing and Selecting Investment Opportunities
- Topics covered:
- How do you think about sourcing and selecting?
- Tell me about your best deal. How did you source that opportunity? What led you to pursue & select the opportunity?
- What are the typical deal sources for VC funds vs your fund? What are the pros and cons for different sourcing approaches?
- What is your personal sourcing strategy? What criteria are most important for your due diligence process?
- What tips can you share for me as I start sourcing & selecting opportunities for the first time?
- How do you build a sustainable advantage in sourcing and consistently selecting the best opportunities?
Note: There are opportunities to gain deeper knowledge through VC related courses such as VCJ and VCPE during EC year.