A career in venture capital

[ziggi]

Hey everyone,
I want to go into a career in venture capital, preferably in technology and preferably internationally oriented.

Unfortunately I only have a rough idea of the work situation and I am entirely unsure of what sort of experience and education I need to pursue to get into this field.

Presently I have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at a Canadian University with about 3 years of engineering and project management experience. I can also speak three languages fluently and I have some skill in 4 more languages.

Any thoughts or experiences would be great.

Thanks

[mike]

Venture Capitalists require no educational background, but it helps. They require no specific experience, but it really helps. The one thing that they really need is money to pay for the ventures they choose to support.

If you have a few million kicking around to invest, a proclivity for risk, and a track record of turning around companies, growing them or exploring new segmentation with them; I'm sure most VC firms would be happy to consider you if you have a contact in the firm already.

[ziggi]

Thanks for the quick reply,

million bucks - No
proclivity - Yes
record - No
contact -No

Actually I just want to find employment with a VC firm, ie. taking calculated risks with their money.

[mike]

Ziggi-
In that case what you'll probably need is a contact.

Attend a Toronto Venture Group event. They are bursting with companies looking for VC equity investment, as well VCs and VC firms. In your position- your best bet would be to approach one as a Personal Assistant. Depending on the VC- that could mean anything from picking up dry cleaning, making coffee and administrative duties, to helping them make decisions about what companies to invest in, and filtering through the BPs to select which ones deserve a presentation.

Good luck.