Exploring Careers in Venture Capital

What is venture capital?

The field of venture capital (VC) involves investing in early-stage startups and high-growth companies with the intention of receiving a return on investment, usually in the form of equity or ownership stakes. These investors, known as venture capitalists, seek to support companies with innovative ideas and offer strategic guidance, mentorship, and industry connections to help the startups succeed and grow.

What does a career in VC look like?

Responsibilities often involve sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, researching the history of potential startups, supporting portfolio companies, and managing relationships with investors. This usually involves attending meetings, strategizing about which startups to pursue, and networking with industry experts to predict future business ventures.

What makes VC a good fit for people with science PhDs?

Many of the skills one acquires during their Ph.D. are also applicable in the fields of business and VC. These include:

  • Advanced research abilities
  • Analytical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Field-specific expertise

How do I know if a career in VC is a right fit for me?

How can I transition from the bench to VC?

PhD holders can leverage their specialized knowledge and research skills in VC. To transition, they should:

  • Gain understanding of the VC industry and its dynamics.
  • ​Pursue internships or fellowships in VC firms (fifty/fifty, Nucleate, Evexia)
  • Network with industry professionals (learn more about networking)
  • Develop financial and business acumen to follow trends.

You may also want to consider specialized trianing programs, like the Flagship Pioneering Fellowship and the 5AM Fellowship.

What is the difference between consulting and venture capital/entrepreneurship?
  • Consultation: The primary objective is to help companies solve specific problems, optimize operations, or implement business strategies. Consultants advise on a wide range of issues (e.g., management, operations, technology, finance) and often focus on improving efficiency or restructuring to meet strategic goals.
  • Venture Capital: In VC, the goal is to invest in early-stage or growth-stage companies with high potential for returns. Venture capitalists aim to identify and support startups that can deliver strong financial returns for their investors.
Find your network
  • Nucleate is a student-led program with the mission of empowering future life science innovators and has helped form over 100 biotech companies by supporting academic founders in their journeys from lab to market. “My experience in Nucleate has helped me connect with mentors and professionals throughout the life science industry,” says co-president Zach Cogan.  Check out the Bay Area chapter of Nucleate and see if it’s a good fit for you.
  • Check out EVEXIA, another student-led program, to learn more about applying your understanding of biology and medicine to identify value in biotech investment opportunities.
Career Development and Skills

What are some key skills needed for a career in venture capital? Successful individuals in VC usually have the following skills:

  • Financial analysis and modeling
  • Market research
  • Networking and relationship management
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making

This resource is based on work developed by Trase Aguigam during his internship at the Office of Career and Professional Development in 2024.

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