Patrick P. L. Tsang

VC is not a static discipline in finance. No financial product is. It develops over time, it faces roadblocks and tailwinds, de-regulation, and re-regulation. Life-long learning is even on top of the agenda of VC tycoons like David Rubenstein or the Oracle of Omaha, stock investor Warren Buffet.

Stay up-to-date with industry news, emerging technologies, and market trends. Subscribe to relevant publications, follow influential blogs, and listen to podcasts focused on venture capital and startups. Use different media channels. Learn to listen even to news channels you basically oppose because through holistic news sources you can easily get a true and fair view.

Identify areas of expertise within venture capital that align with your interests and strengths. This could include deepening your knowledge of specific industries, such as biotech or fintech, or developing skills in areas like financial modeling, market analysis, or deal structuring. Seek out opportunities to develop these skills through coursework, certifications, or hands-on experience. Focus on a Niche: Consider specializing in a niche market or investment strategy within venture capital. For example, you could focus on early-stage investments, seed-stage startups, impact investing, or corporate venture capital. With a niche area, you can differentiate yourself and become an expert in a specific segment of the venture capital landscape.

Networking is crucial in venture capital. Connect with professionals in the industry through networking events, conferences, and online communities. Seek out mentorship opportunities with experienced venture capitalists who can provide guidance, advice, and valuable insights into the industry.

Gain solid understanding of finance, economics, business, and entrepreneurship. You can pursue relevant degrees such as finance, business administration, economics, or even specialized courses in venture capital offered by universities or online platforms. Some recommended reads include "Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist" by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson, "Mastering the VC Game" by Jeffrey Bussgang, and "The Entrepreneurial Bible to Venture Capital" by Andrew Romans. Additionally, follow reputable publications like TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and Forbes to stay updated on industry news and insights. Take advantage of online courses, webinars, and resources offered by platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy.

Start Your Own Venture: Consider launching your own startup or joining an early-stage company. Don’t copy-paste. Think of something that solves a problem, e. g. an AI-generated alarm clock that cancels an alarm or calendar entry when a WhatsApp message says the meeting is canceled. Founding or working at a startup can provide valuable insights into the entrepreneurial process and the challenges faced by founders. This firsthand experience can be highly relevant when evaluating potential investments as a venture capitalist. Three frogs decide to jump, but only one jumps. Because deciding and executing your plan are not the same. Don’t be the frog that lingers.