Key Success Factors and Career Risks for Junior-Level Personnel in Venture Capital

Abstract

From the perspective of MBA graduates outside the venture capital industry, much effort and discussion focuses on how to find or create a job opportunity. In contrast, relatively less attention is given to what is needed to become a successful venture capitalist. To better understand key success factors and career risks for this group, a series of interviews was conducted with junior-level personnel in venture capital. From these conversations, common themes arose in terms of the types of skills needed to be successful, as well as potential career risks.