3 Unconventional Paths Into VC (No Finance Background Needed)

? Read time: 4 mins

Last week, we cracked the code on the hard & soft skills you need to break into VC.

Today, let’s get tactical:

How to break in—even if you don’t have a finance background.

Here’s the truth:

VC used to be a club for ex-bankers and consultants. Not anymore.

The game is evolving. Innovation demands diversity. And I’m here to show you how to get your foot in the door.

3 Unconventional Ways to Get Real VC Experience

You don’t need a job at a VC firm to get started. You don’t need an MBA. And you definitely don’t need a fat bank account.

Here’s what you do need: real-world experience.

Why? Because most VCs are theory-heavy, but the real winners are practical operators who’ve walked the walk.

These 3 approaches will give you a unique edge:

1. Micro-Investing: Your On-the-Go MBA

Want to think like an investor?

Start investing—even if it’s small.

This is the easiest way to dip your toes into VC.

Look for startups that align with your passions or expertise. When you understand a space deeply, you’ll spot opportunities others miss.

Best platforms to start:

?? For beginners: Republic or WeFunder

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

?? Climate-focused investing: Climate Insiders

2. Freelance Consulting: Build Your Portfolio

Startups are hungry for strategic thinkers who can guide them through growth, market positioning, and financial planning.

And here’s the kicker:

You get real operational experience while getting paid. ??

What to do: Offer your services as a freelance consultant. Build a project portfolio.

Startups get value. You get stories, data, and a practical edge to pitch to VCs.

Where to find opportunities:

?? Leverage your network

.?? Offer your skills on platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, or AngelList.

?? Reach out directly to startups solving problems you care about.

VCs LOVE operators with hands-on experience. A portfolio of startup projects? That’s your golden ticket.

Wondering how you can level up to become a world-class investor? Here’s The Ultimate Investor Toolkit 2024 ??

3. Be the Corporate-Startup Connector

Here’s an overlooked play:

Big corporations want startup innovation but don’t know how to access it.

Startups need partnerships, pilots, and funding to grow.

You can bridge the gap.

Position yourself as the liaison—the person who connects both sides:

?? Scouting startups for strategic partnerships.

?? Designing corporate accelerator programs.

?? Building networks of startups and tech innovators.

?? Supporting negotiations and deal-making.

?? Facilitating knowledge exchanges.

You’ll gain visibility, build credibility, and become the ultimate insider between corporate and startup worlds.

The best part? VC firms LOVE connectors. You’ll be on their radar fast.

Ready to Start?

Experiment with one (or all!) of these approaches:

? Micro-invest. Learn by doing.

? Consult. Build your startup chops.

? Connect. Bridge startups and corporations.

Let me know how it goes—I want to hear your wins ??

And next week?

We’ll dive into my Top 10 Fundraising Tips for VC Fund Managers ??

Stay tuned.

Yoann

Last month, I launched the Pro Subscription. Here’s why? ??

My goal for 2025? To help you:

? Optimize your startup or fund

? Remove barriers to success

? Save time and close faster

With a Pro Subscription, you’ll unlock full access to my exclusive resources, including:

?? The Ultimate Investor Toolkit 2025 ??. Everything You Need to Crack the VC Investing Game

?? The Ultimate Notion Data Room Template. A complete system to power your fundraising game, organized in Notion for maximum efficiency.

?? 50 Pitch Decks That Raised Billions in Funding ?? Proven Winners You Can Learn From

?? The Only Startup Fundraising Guide You’ll Ever Need. Save time, close faster, and level up your fundraising game.

?? The VC Fund Manager’s Bible. Everything You Need to Build, Raise, and Scale a Game-Changing Fund