“What does an average day in this role look like?” It’s a perfectly common question asked in any job interview, across any industry. But in a field like venture capital—a sector 94% of the British public can’t confidently describe—it’s a much-needed enquiry.
I was a VC outsider myself for most of my career. Before I took the plunge, I wouldn’t have imagined that working in this sphere would involve being invited to No. 10, hosting panels at London Tech Week, or learning a whole new ‘VC vocabulary.’ There’s simply too much variety to fit into a neat job description, and my experience is by no means unique.
So, drawing from my own journey and the insights of colleagues and industry friends, I’ve gathered some of the most surprising aspects a career in VC can involve.
Spreading your wings beyond spreadsheets
For those familiar with VC, the day-to-day might conjure images of spreadsheets, valuations, and relentless number crunching. And yes, that’s part of it, but the reality is that VC involves much more than just chasing and closing deals. It’s about spotting talent before the rest of the world catches on, staying plugged into emerging trends, and acting as a sounding board for founders.
Mukami Kamau, Investment Manager at Chui Ventures, summed it up perfectly when she told me that what she initially thought would be “all spreadsheets and strategy” actually involves “negotiating like a diplomat and networking like a politician.” It’s an important reminder that while the numbers matter, so do relationships, persuasion, and the ability to read the (board)room.
Wearing many hats, in many places
In VC, no two days are the same. One day, you might be combing through pitch decks; the next, you’re trialling body scans with the newest health tech firm. Your role can shift constantly, and it’s this dynamic nature that makes the job so exciting.
A glimpse into the life of Muhammad Malik, Founder of Tijara Ventures, perfectly captures this. “I never imagined I’d be handwriting ‘reserved’ notices for seats at the House of Lords while organising a symposium on AI and tech […] or drinking camel milk with Bedouins in Al Ula,” he told me. So much of VC is what you make of it. Saying yes to new opportunities can quite literally take you anywhere—whether that’s the hallowed halls of parliament or repeated trips to the departures lounge.
But he also noted that behind the glamour, he’s found himself “separating plastic from treats” at an event he curated to connect VCs and startups from five continents to Riyadh’s ecosystem. It’s an important reminder that the role isn’t just about making deals or attending major events—it’s about doing the work that fuels those moments. It’s the blend of pinch-me experiences and behind-the-scenes effort that makes a career in VC so unique.
Spotting potential, not perfection
Venture capital isn’t about perfectly formed companies or flawless business plans. Much of the work in VC is about identifying potential—whether that’s a talented founder, an innovative idea, or an industry ripe for disruption. It’s about seeing what others might overlook and backing people and companies that are still figuring things out. This often means investing in businesses at a very early stage, with all the uncertainty that comes with it.
In her work helping founders assess funding, Ankshita Chaudhary, Co-founder at Startup Discovery Asia, used to think VC was “like navigating a treasure hunt – startups had to decode the map and uncover the right clues to unlock funding.” Now, having seen how VC works first-hand, she recognises that “there’s so much more to VC than just finding the ‘right’ answers. It’s about understanding the nuances of markets, relationships, and timing.”
This mindset is one of the many surprising aspects of VC. Whether evaluating businesses or people, it’s all about recognising potential—even when it’s still in its early, unpolished form.
Taking off without an elite education
Many of us know the stats: senior roles in VC are overwhelmingly held by the privately educated. On top of that, there has long been an expectation that a prestigious degree or an MBA is a must-have to make it in this industry. But in reality, the VC world—and the people within it—come from all walks of life.
Thea Otto, COO at Foundrise—and a master pastry chef herself—is a perfect example of how those from unconventional backgrounds can reshape industries. She shared with me how learning about the VC world proved to her that “true innovation happens when we break down systemic barriers and bring diverse perspectives to the investment table.” She has firmly embedded that ethos in her work with innovative companies and is committed to “rewriting the blueprint,” ensuring that a new generation makes diverse perspectives their competitive advantage.
It’s one of the many surprising things about a career in VC—your background might not fit the traditional mould, but that’s precisely what can make you stand out.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/05/beyond-the-numbers-things-a-career-in-vc-can-offer/
