Breaking into venture capital isn’t easy. Not every role is advertised, it’s pretty competitive and it can be a lot about who as well as what you know.
So, how do you not only get your foot in the door but also make your mark once you’re in?
To find out, Sifted spoke with four Gen Z investors working at Europe’s most active early-stage firms.
Lara Planet, investment analyst at Antler (Germany)
Based: Berlin.
Sectors of interest: Areas addressing health and climate challenges such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare innovation.
Deals worked on so far: ScaleEnergy, which utilises existing grid connections to stabilise the power grid through a decentralised battery storage network.
What’s surprised you the most about working in VC?
It’s fascinating how early-stage investments can be so subjective, with different investors having
varied convictions about the same company. The exponential learning curve is also remarkable, as new trends and markets are constantly emerging.
What should Gen Z do differently in the VC industry?
Stay unbiased and don’t judge a book by its cover — great founders come from diverse backgrounds. Leverage the latest tech tools to drive data-driven decisions, and prioritise authenticity over pretentiousness. Embrace diversity among investors and founders.
Tips for landing your first job in VC?
Get involved in startup initiatives and networks early to build industry relationships. Prepare thoroughly by understanding the VCs’ investment theses and portfolios — and consider how you can add value with your unique perspective. Joining the operator side at a portfolio company can also be a great entry point, giving you insight into both sides of the VC process.
Leonard Trappe, junior analyst at High-tech Gründerfonds (Germany)
Based: Bonn
Sectors of interest: Life sciences and healthtech.
Deals worked on so far: TQ Therapeutics, a German startup developing a novel approach for “producing” genetically modified immune cells.
What has surprised you the most about working in VC?
How relatively small and tightly connected the European VC scene is, especially in the DACH region. It’s more like a large “community” with strong collaboration rather than intense competition. I’ve also been amazed at how comprehensive the due diligence process is and how many questions need to be asked and answered before investing.
What should Gen Z do differently in the VC industry?
For the first time in history, we can leverage advanced data algorithms and artificial intelligence for data-driven investment decisions. Gen Z are in an excellent position to effectively incorporate these tools into VC investment decisions and establish them as a complement to the existing process.
Also, ESG will continue to gain more importance. It’s already a key criterion in investments today and, in my opinion, will become even more prominent in the future.
Tips for landing your first job in VC?
Networking is vital, as the VC sector is relatively small and therefore highly competitive. Roles like internships or junior analyst positions, such as those offered by HTGF, are excellent starting points to get your feet on the ground.
If you’re still in university, reach out to students or alumni who have worked in VC for introductions and guidance. Participate in university-specific startup events or clubs. These can provide valuable connections and first-hand insights into the industry. Try to focus on a sector where you feel most comfortable and build up your specific knowledge, or even try to land a job in a startup before entering the VC world.
When it comes to the selection process or interviews, it’s important to demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for technological advancements and innovations. Show that you already possess industry/technology-specific knowledge. Try to demonstrate your ability to ask key questions, exhibit critical and analytical thinking, and showcase your skills in structuring and filtering large amounts of information to secure these roles.
Maria Matilda Bancale, investment associate at CDP Venture Capital SGR (Italy)
Based: Milan.
Sectors of interest: All of them! Right now: marketing tech, ecommerce/marketplaces and digital health.
What has surprised you the most about working in VC?
The broad skills you learn: networking for sourcing opportunities, meticulous analysis when deciding whether to proceed with a deal, the legal elements when negotiating termsheets and contracts, and multitasking.
What should Gen Z do differently in the VC industry?
Be kind, respond to everyone and help out when possible — being nasty is not sexy anymore.
Tips for landing your first job in VC?
Networking and being brave and creative! I had my first internship in VC by sending my CV to all the general emails of Italian VCs/accelerators (e.g., info@venturecapitalname.it), sending messages to partners and attending all networking events (both investors and startup).
Léa Lafaye, VC associate at Bpifrance (France)
Based: Paris
Sectors of interest: Climate tech; specifically, maritime, energy — particularly batteries — and environmental reporting.
Deals worked on so far: CarbonWorks, a company which produces renewable raw materials through the cultivation of microalgae in an innovative photobioreactor; Ayro, which develops a wind propulsion system to decarbonise the maritime industry; and Temo, which is redefining sustainable marine travel with their innovative and lightweight electric propulsion engines.
What has surprised you the most about working in VC?
Being prepared to talk about deals, industries and companies in any given situation — whether it is over a drink, at breakfast or in front of a committee.
What should Gen Z do differently in the VC industry?
Gen Z should focus more on sustainable companies and promote hardware companies. We need to have innovation in hardware and software to decarbonise industries and the wider economy.
Tips for landing your first job in VC?
I would advise students to do one or several internships in VC. It’ll help you better understand the job, and know the team’s best practices and habits. Networking is a key aspect of the job so contact partners, associates or analysts in every VC fund, get in touch with entrepreneurs, and take part in VC events. And, most importantly, be curious: read articles and listen to podcasts on every new innovative sector!
Read the orginal article: https://sifted.eu/articles/gen-z-investor-vc-career-tips/
