staff VCs spend most of their time sourcing potential investment opportunities, executing deals, and supporting portfolio companies. They also work to build relationships with other VCs and entrepreneurs.
Great VCs are curious about new technologies and lesser-known industries like blue tech. They read respected daily publications and websites to keep abreast of marketable goods and services trends.
Family
The family is essential to a venture capitalist for many reasons. They often invest in family-owned businesses because they understand the value of a good relationship and want to ensure that the company will be successful and reap a return on its investment. They also serve as mentors and cheerleaders to their children, like Scott Sandell daughter, which can be invaluable to a startup’s success.
Family offices are becoming more active in venture capital as LPs and direct investors in early-stage companies. They often seek funds with a deep understanding of the startup landscape and industry expertise. They also require managers to take a hands-on approach to investing, including serving on the boards of portfolio companies.
Unlike traditional investments, venture capital is usually a high-risk investment that requires substantial time to generate returns. This can be challenging for families who have other commitments. However, finding the right investment opportunities that offer a reasonable return on your investment and provide long-term stability is possible.
Work
A venture capitalist takes on a great deal of risk by investing in young businesses, new technology, and industries, and in the process, they can earn substantial returns. They work with their companies to grow and eventually sell or take them public, gaining commissions on their investments.
To succeed as a VC, strong communication and negotiation skills are essential. You need to be able to assess the value of investment opportunities and negotiate favorable terms for yourself and your investors.
A VC firm typically has associates who help analyze investment opportunities and conduct due diligence. Associates can progress to principal roles if they perform well. Getting an MBA, working in finance-focused roles like investment banking, and building your network are all excellent ways to prepare yourself for becoming a VC. A VC must be willing to invest for the long haul, as they usually get their return on investment after three to seven years of investing in a company.
Education
Venture capitalists must be able to think critically and make sound decisions. Developing these skills through practice can help venture capitalists evaluate investment opportunities, understand complex technologies and business models, and manage risks to maximize returns. They must also have a firm grasp of market trends and be flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions.
They also need to work well with others, whether in their firm or at startup companies they invest in. They must communicate effectively, build relationships with entrepreneurs, and negotiate deals that benefit all parties.
Those interested in becoming venture capitalists should find mentors in the industry and participate in fellowship programs or internships with leading VC firms to gain firsthand experience. Many online courses also offer beginner-level information on the fundamentals of venture capital. They also cover topics such as how VC firms find investments, how startups pitch a VC firm, and the due-diligence process.
Health
Venture capitalists often find themselves at the heart of the entrepreneurial process. Entrepreneurs who seek funding submit business plans to VC firms and undergo due diligence, which involves extensive research into the company, its management, operations, and industry prospects. The resulting decision may or may not be to invest, and if successful, can reap massive returns on investment.
Wealthy individuals, financial institutions, pension funds, and corporate pensions may pool their money into a fund controlled by a VC firm, with each investor owning a portion. The VC firm decides where this money will be invested, usually in businesses or industry segments that would not receive investment from banks or capital markets because of their high levels of risk.
VCs typically refrain from investing in the early stages of new technologies, when market needs are uncertain, and in later phases, where competitive shakeouts and consolidations can depress growth rates. Keeping an eye on the growth of portfolio companies is essential to ensure that the VC’s investment is maximized and used wisely.
