After 15 years in venture capital and speaking at Web Summit on “How to Land a VC Job,” I want to share practical, honest advice for college students curious about VC. The headlines about tech layoffs and AI disruption can be daunting, but don’t let them scare you off. Becoming a great venture capitalist isn’t about a specific degree—it’s about relentless learning and building relationships with founders. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started, inspired by advice I’d give my godson, who just began college.
Step 1: Don’t Jump Straight Into Venture Capital
Venture capital might seem glamorous, but starting your career in VC isn’t the best move. You’ll grow faster by working inside the industry you’re passionate about—whether it’s AI, biotech, fintech, gaming, or climate tech. Join a startup or growth-stage company in any role: product, engineering, marketing, or operations. The key is being close to the action, not observing from the sidelines as a consultant or investment banker.
If you love an industry, immerse yourself in it. Working inside a company gives you firsthand insight into what makes businesses succeed or fail—knowledge that’s invaluable when you eventually transition to VC.
Step 2: Choose an Industry You’re Obsessed With
To break into VC, pick an industry you’re genuinely passionate about—one that keeps you up at night, not because it’s “hot” or trendy, but because you’re addicted to its developments. Your edge in early-stage VC comes from deep conviction. If you’re obsessed with an industry—whether it’s healthcare, gaming, space, or consumer tech—you’ll naturally dive into its trends, read its news, and want to meet its founders. Passion fuels the persistence needed to excel in VC.
Step 3: Identify VCs Investing in Your Chosen Industry
Once you’ve picked your industry, research venture firms actively investing in that space. Use tools like Crunchbase, PitchBook, or even AI assistants to build a list of relevant VC firms. For example, if you’re passionate about gaming, here are some VCs with expertise in that sector:
- 1Up Ventures
- A16z Games
- Animoca Brands
- BITKRAFT Ventures
- Dune Ventures
- Griffin Gaming Partners
- GFR Fund
- Hire Capital
- Konvoy Ventures
- Lvp
- Makers Fund
- MGVC
- Play VC
- The Games Fund
- Transcend Fund
Follow these firms on LinkedIn, subscribe to their newsletters, and read their blogs. Study their portfolio companies to understand their investment thesis and how they operate. Aim to know their portfolios better than they do.
Step 4: Dive Deep Into the Industry’s Companies
You don’t need permission to start learning about the companies in your chosen industry. If you’re focused on gaming, for example, play the top games, follow developers, read user reviews, and track what’s working or failing. Build a deep, hands-on understanding of the space. VCs value original insights, so develop strong, informed opinions based on your research. This knowledge sets you apart from others vying for VC roles.
Step 5: Reach Out to VCs with Value
Once you’ve built expertise, contact investors in your industry. Find their LinkedIn profiles or email addresses and reach out—not to ask for a job, but to offer value. Share interesting companies you’ve discovered in their investment focus area. For example, DM or email a gaming-focused VC and ask if they’re open to receiving one new gaming company recommendation per week. Request feedback on your suggestions to improve your scouting skills. After a few weeks of consistent, high-quality