3 Unconventional Ways Into VC. Without Finance Background

Read time: 4 mins

Last week, we unpacked the essential hard & soft skills everyone needs to break into VC 👊

Now, let's pivot to getting yourself out there — especially if your background isn't rooted in finance. Because while VC is known for being exclusive to finance types, it is evolving! Innovation is at the forefront, which invites diversity.

I’m here to help you embrace this shift… 👇

3 ways to get practical VC experience

You don't need a job at a VC firm to get started. Trust me, dipping your toes into VC alone first can be incredibly rewarding, even if just out of personal interest. For example, perhaps you’re passionate about a certain industry, or you’ve come into some money that you want to invest?

In any case, real-world experience is a gem, especially when many VCs come from a theory-heavy background 💎

These three tips will give you a unique edge:

💸 Micro-investing

This is your gateway into the world of startups and VC. And you needn’t break the bank.

Personally, I believe the key is to look for startups that resonate with your passions and/or areas of expertise 💚

Numerous micro-investment platforms make it easy to start. They’re a hands-on way to learn about the market, strategy, and identifying potential — kind of like an on-the-go MBA in investing.

Here are my favorite platforms you can try:

🌱 For beginners: Republic or WeFunder

🚀 With a bit more to invest: AngelList (restricted to accredited investors though…)

🌎 Climate-focused investing: Climate Insiders

💡 Freelance consulting

This is a great one if you have a gift for analysis and strategic thinking.

Startups are always looking for sharp minds to guide them through their growth challenges, financial planning, and market positioning. You can offer your services on a project basis, which helps them thrive, but also helps you build out a portfolio.

This project portfolio is something you can then showcase to VCs. They love operational know-how and might be hook to land you the right opportunity.

Wondering how you can find opportunities like this? Here’s a snippet from last week’s newsletter 👇

🤝 Corporation-startup liaison

Many enterprises want to tap into the fresh, disruptive ideas that startups offer. You can help them! Here are just a few areas you can pitch to them:

🔎 Scouting for strategic partnerships that align with company goals

🚀 Launching corporate accelerator programs to guide said startups through growth phases

🌐 Building a network of startups and tech innovators

💰 Supporting negotiations

💡 Facilitating knowledge exchange sessions

All of these are really cool ways to get a peek into how both sides operate.

Position yourself as a connector between the corporate and startup worlds, and you can carve out an interesting niche in VC. This will make you an invaluable source of knowledge.

Conclusion

VC might be dominated by financiers now, but it’s not going to stay that way forever. After all, sound business decisions are made by assembling different data points and applying different points of view — for that, you need people from different walks of life.

Start experimenting this week with one (or all!) of the above, and let me know how you get on. I’d love to hear your stories 🤩

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Want to join our Climate Investor community?

👉 Join the Climate Insiders investor community 🚀 Whether you are looking for unique deal flow, wanting to develop your Angel track, or simply seeking exposure to the best projects in the space, join us here.

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And if you are enjoying this newsletter, the best support would be to recommend it to a Climate friend or colleague 🙏 Let’s grow this movement together.

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Happy VCing,

Yoann Berno