How to break into venture capital later in life

Venture Capital (VC) touches almost every industry in some form. Whether you’ve worked with startups, raised capital yourself, or just followed the latest tech trends as a curious consumer, you’ve likely encountered it. But what happens when you decide to take the leap from knowing about VC to wanting to become part of it, without losing the seniority you’ve built up over the years?

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Most advice online is aimed at early career candidates trying to get a foot in the door, with tips on how to get an internship, books to read, and grad schemes to apply to. But for those who’ve already built successful careers in other industries, the path into VC can be less clear. Like many sectors, VC has its own rhythms, jargon and unwritten rules, and it’s not always obvious how to get noticed or where your experience might fit. 

But the good news is, venture is broader and more porous than it can sometimes appear. There’s no single background or “type” that makes someone a good investor. And there’s also no such thing as too late. I’d estimate that around 50% or even 60% of people working in the industry are over 40 years old. Some will have risen steadily through the ranks over the years, others may have started their own fund after building credibility elsewhere, but many will be later-stage career-switchers. 

Having arrived at my current position via roles in consulting, education and the non-profit world, I’ve laid out five ways to enter VC later in your career with confidence and credibility. 

1 → Learn the landscape

Whatever role you’re hoping to land, you will need a solid grasp of the VC ecosystem. While you don’t need an accounting degree or MBA for every position, getting to grips with the pressures and incentives that drive key decision-making is vital to making your switch a success.

If you’re new to the space, VC-specific courses or accelerators can help fill the knowledge gaps quickly, and give you a better understanding of what your new ‘day-to-day’ role might look like. At Newton Venture Program, for example, we offer Fundamentals and Fellowship courses that are specifically designed to help those wanting to enter into or advance careers in the VC space. 

2 → Build your ‘VC CV’ 

VC is extremely competitive, and firms looking to make key hires are selecting from a crowded talent pool. This means you'll need to demonstrate your unique value to stand out. As with any job, you should make sure your CV and any other application materials are tailored to reflect the skills and competencies needed for the role, as well as the thesis of the firm you are targeting.

A great way to do this is to display your capability by showcasing the kind of work you'd be doing in the job. Prepare sample investment memos, write up a pitch deck analysis, or create a shortlist of interesting early-stage companies. These exercises can be extremely valuable in demonstrating due diligence and judgement skills. A good memo, for example, is not only focused on “selling the deal" or articulating why the company is likely to be the next unicorn; it should also capture the perceived risks and lay them out clearly. VCs are ultimately optimists, so it’s important to show you have awareness of what could go wrong, and then have the skills to support a company in navigating those risks. 

3 → Leverage your network

VC, perhaps more than most industries, is built on connections. Whether it’s earning trust from founders or hearing about exciting deals early, your network is one of your greatest assets. For those coming in from the outside, this can understandably feel like a barrier. It’s hard to know how to break into these circles or get involved in the right conversations.

But chances are, you’re more connected than you think. VC touches many industries, and plenty of career paths are ‘VC-adjacent’. If you’ve worked in management consulting, corporate strategy, or PR and communications – not to mention more obvious areas like banking or finance – you likely already know people with links to VC. Tap into those connections. Reach out to peers who can offer advice or introductions, and start building relationships with people who are already in the ecosystem.

Attending events can be a great way to expand your network. This could range from big-ticket conferences like Slush and SuperVenture to seeking out smaller, more local events where you might feel more comfortable approaching fellow attendees. Groups like Women in VC and Colorintech also regularly host their own networking events for new members, which can be a great way for those from less spotlighted backgrounds to start building new contacts.

4 → Find the right fit

Breaking into venture capital doesn’t have to mean stepping directly into an investor role on day one. The industry includes a wide range of roles that are essential to making investments and supporting startups post-funding. From Chief of Staff and Head of Platform to roles in HR, legal, finance, and communications, there are many entry points.  Whatever your skill set, there’s a job for you in VC. 

Spend time getting to understand how VC firms operate and think strategically about where you can add the most value based on your experience to date. Coming from another industry also means you can offer a unique perspective, so use this to your advantage and show how your career so far has helped you develop the competencies you need to succeed in VC. 

5 → Become an angel investor

While not accessible to everyone, becoming an angel investor and building your own portfolio is a great way to develop real experience and credibility. If you have the means, consider making small, well-researched investments to build experience sourcing, analysing, and closing your own deals. Be thorough in capturing your thought process so you can explain your rationale and demonstrate the quality of your thinking.

Angel syndicates are popping up everywhere. Joining one will give you a network of fellow investors who can help you spot trends, as well as potentially allowing you to get in on smaller ticket deals, which require less capital from individuals upfront. These groups are another brilliant route to cultivating relationships with people who you can lean on for advice as you make your transition into VC. 

The truth is - there’s no single route to success in VC. If you’re coming in later in your career, it can feel daunting at first, but remember your experience is a real asset. Take the time to understand the space, be clear on where you add value, and don’t be afraid to lean on your network. VC relies on a range of perspectives to do its job well, and yours could be exactly what it needs.

Shayan Roy Chowdhury is Interim Managing Director at the Newton Venture Program

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