What a Talent Principal at a Deep Tech Venture Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Venture Capital Industry
Erica, a Talent Principal at a Deep Tech Venture Company, advises aspiring professionals that breaking into venture capital "takes some time to network and get into a space like this," emphasizing the importance of connections. While the tech industry offers great perks and team camaraderie, the venture capital world presents a different reality, requiring "thicker skin" to navigate its unique culture and inherent privileges.
Networking, Career Development, Industry Realities, Overcoming Challenges, Job Search
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Erica Kane
Talent Principal
Deep Tech Venture Company
UCSB
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Electronics & Semiconductors, Technology
Human Resources (HR)
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. The tech industry offers good employee benefits and team environment, but it may require long working hours.
2. Breaking into the venture capital industry can be challenging without prior connections; networking is crucial for success.
3. The venture capital industry has a specific mindset and culture; developing thicker skin is helpful to navigate potential challenges and biases
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
That's a good question. The tech industry itself is fantastic. I know it sometimes gets a bad rap, maybe for entitlement or other things.
I was very lucky to be close to the Bay Area and found a job there. They do take care of their employees, and I had a fairly good work-life balance. I worked a lot, but I liked the perks and felt part of a team.
Transitioning into venture capital, I've realized it's often who you know. It's a very small bubble. I don't think it's strictly necessary to know people, but it is harder to break into the space if you don't.
Many people ask me how I made that jump. I made it because of my boss, who recruited me. I'm grateful she brings people along. It does take time to network and get into this space, and you just can't give up.
I always knew I wanted to be in this field, though I didn't expect it to happen so soon. I feel very lucky. It's not all perfect; you deal with a certain mindset and privilege among people in this space.
You need a bit of thicker skin if that bothers you. It bothers me sometimes, to be honest. I wish I had understood that a little more. I just saw a great job opportunity in a space I wanted to be in.
Then, in the last year or so, I realized I don't know all the nuances here or all the venture companies and who's who. I'm okay with saying, "I don't know who that is," and that's fine. Just don't let it get you down.
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