Hi there,

You should definitely include it. 

Starting and running a company is something that requires a very similar skill set as working at a consulting firm.

Be prepared to answer questions about why you want to stop your venture and start in consulting though.

Cheers,

Florian

If it shows your a highly driven, results-getter, high potential individual, it helps. If nothing of the above, not really.

Just not sure how do you plan to act on this information, and that really scares me. Do you plan to stay longer in the startup if you believe that makes you more valuable, is that it? 

If that's the case, just don't go that route. The best way to get into consulting is… applying into consulting. I'm seeing too many people who want to be in consulting purposefully avoiding applying and actually becoming less interesting over time, instead of the opposite.

Like with anything else, a successful startup ($X million in revenue, backing of top VCs etc) is highly valued and anything that is more reliant on family and friends with limited success to show for it less valued from an experience perspective. Also note that you will not be able to participate in the startup if you end up at MBB.

If you are already a strategy consultant at a Big 4 firm then that will count for a lot more in terms of experience that they value and I would not worry about the startup experience too much.

It will help to set you apart from others who have never gone ahead and founded something of their own. So you have shown this kind of drive and courage which is something you should leverage.

On the flipside, by applying to a consulting firm, you are effectively seeking employment rather than (continue) being your own boss, pursuing your own creation and vision. Why do you want to trade that for consulting? You need a good answer for that

Hi there - 

Definitely include it. 

1. Think about your impact and how best to position it with the rest of the story 

2. Be prepared to go deep into what you are doing and building 

3. Be prepared to answer questions on why you want to leave

Hi there,

Q: Wanted to know how much startup experience will help my application, if at all?

Entrepreneurial activities are definitely fine for a consulting application, so I would keep it in your CV.

You can find more CV tips below:

▶ How to Craft a CV for Consulting Applications

Best,

Francesco

Yes! This is a fantastic experience that you should absolutely add to your resume.