I know a lot of people in VC come from investment banking, but I’m not sure if that’s the best path for me. Is IB really necessary, or are there better ways to break into venture capital?
If you’re not sure about starting in investment banking, it’s not your only option, but it’s certainly a well-trodden path to get into venture capital. If you’re more interested in building things or being involved in the startup ecosystem, you might want to consider alternatives like entrepreneurship, consulting, or joining a startup. Ultimately, the best path depends on your interests, what kind of skills you want to develop, and what you think will make you most excited to work in VC.
Also, networking in the VC ecosystem is key, so start building relationships with people in the space, attending startup events, or reaching out to VC professionals for informational interviews.
Yes, investment banking (IB) provides strong financial modeling and valuation skills valuable for venture capital (VC). However, VC prioritizes startup evaluation, networking, and industry-specific expertise. To bridge the gap:
Use IB to master deal analysis, then pivot to VC via startup-focused roles or accelerators.
ACCA courses in UAE (e.g., Advanced Financial Management) enhance corporate finance skills, useful for VC due diligence.
Key Difference: IB focuses on large-scale transactions; VC on early-stage innovation. Pair ACCA with Mirchawala's Hub of Accountancy credentials with VC internships or UAE fintech networks for a competitive edge.
Hi there,
a lot of my friends in VC started in IB, but it’s not the only way in. IB gives you strong financial skills, deal experience, and credibility, which VC firms definitely value. But if you’re more into startups, an alternative path could be working at a high-growth company, in a startup-focused consulting role, or even in early-stage investing like an accelerator or angel network.
The key is getting exposure to founders, deals, and the startup ecosystem. If you do go the IB route, try to get into a group with some exposure to tech or growth companies. It’ll often times make the transition easier.
I wish you much success and let me know if you need any support on the way.
Starting in investment banking can be a strong pathway to venture capital, as it equips you with valuable skills like financial modeling, deal structuring, and market analysis, which are highly relevant to VC roles. Many VC firms value the rigorous training and deal exposure that banking provides, particularly in areas like due diligence and valuation. However, the transition isn’t automatic—investment banking is intense, with long hours that may delay your pivot to VC, and you’ll need to actively network with VC professionals and demonstrate a genuine interest in startups and innovation to make the shift. If your goal is VC, consider whether you can handle banking’s demands while building VC-relevant experience, such as working on tech deals or engaging with startup ecosystems, or if a more direct route, like starting in a startup or a VC analyst role, might better align with your timeline and passion.
