How do I Break into VC from FAANG as SWE
Hi all,
I am a software engineer at a FAANG company. I wanted to know what it takes and what paths can be taken to break into VC. Also do you have to start as an analyst or can you go higher?
Dec 15, 2021
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It is a completely different skillset - VC is a relationship role. Yes pure intellectual ability matters, but you will be talking to a bunch of people each day and managing investment processes. There is more overlap with sales than with SWE.
Why exactly would you want to make this switch?
A top tier bschool is probably the best bet. You could go in as an Associate (otherwise you could only be an Analyst) and have a much better shot. Analyst programs at VCs are relatively rare and with no prior finance experience, it’d be a tough sell
What is the modeling like in VC? Or is it more qualitative skills? If so, a good B school would help.
Isn't UT a payout for worse wlb for you?
Get LinkedIn Premium. Go to search people..when in the search result page, in the search box on top type software engineer and hit enter, now in the filter under current company choose a bunch of VC funds, in the previous company select your or similar FANG/Software company, under industry choose PE/VC.. hit search.. reach out to the ppl who made the transition.. they will be far more willing to help/mentor you. I personally know a very close relative who switched from MSFT SWE to M12 (MSFT internal VC arm) to VC.
Also a bunch of these FANGS have internal VC arms.. connect with folks there. This is your best bet and an easier route then networking externally or going through the bschool route.
To answer your qs.. yes, it is doable and happens more often then ppl think. Top MBA will def get you there but you are better off saving that bschool money and networking on your own first and if that doesnt work out then go for BSchool route.
Also adding that I would suggest you look for Associate opportunities rather than Analyst. This was one thing my relative learned while networking his way in.. he told me as an Analyst, its a lot of menial task/sourcing and etc and although that is fine for someone right out of college, it will not be exciting work for someone making the transition from a job (SWE) that pays similar with lesser b**** work..
Apologies for the typos/grammar.. its 2:41 am ET and I am waiting for my uber outside the office.. lol
I don't have anything to contribute except
Fuck you tech soyboy. Go back to Grindr or r/socialanxiety.
What's the motivation for doing this? Unless you can break into a top VC you are on a better earnings + lifestyle trajectory if you can keep progressing in your current role.
Best way to get into any VC is to show up with a big network of relationships with operators. VCs want you to pull in deal flow from smart people starting companies. If you can demonstrate that, you'll have an easy go of it. If not, you may actually want to reconsider the path because even if you get into VC, you're less likely to be successful. Speaking as someone who made a similar transition from engineering role to VC for a couple years.
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