Leland+ for Venture Capital
Popular on Leland+
Trends in VC Hiring: What Firms are Looking For
Breaking into venture capital is notoriously challenging—often less about chasing the biggest brand names and more about finding the right fit. In this session, expert coach Natalie L. unpack the latest trends in VC recruiting and share what firms actually value when evaluating candidates. You’ll learn how the hiring landscape is evolving, what skills and experiences stand out today, and how candidates from non-traditional backgrounds can successfully position themselves for roles in venture. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for networking, building credibility, and navigating a process that’s often informal and relationship-driven. Whether you’re actively recruiting or just exploring a career in VC, this session will give you insider insights and actionable advice to sharpen your approach and increase your chances of breaking in.
Breaking Into VC: What It Takes to Launch Your Career
In this panel, Suzie M. and Katya E. will share what it really takes to land a role in one of the most competitive fields in business. You’ll learn how candidates stand out in the recruiting process, what firms look for beyond the resume, and the skills that set future investors apart. From sourcing and evaluating deals to building networks and demonstrating investment judgment, the discussion will cover the core qualities that matter most. Whether you’re coming from banking, consulting, tech, or just starting your career exploration, this session will give you actionable insights into how to position yourself for success in VC.
Start Where You Are: Investing in the Arts as a Pathway to Venture Capital
You don’t need a fund, a finance background, or a Silicon Valley network to start investing—you just need vision and the courage to begin. In this inspirational session, Tiana Tukes (she/her) shares her journey of investing in creativity and culture as a foundation for a career in venture capital. Beginning with her first investment in photographer Tyler Mitchell in 2018, Tiana explores how supporting artists teaches powerful lessons about risk, storytelling, and conviction—the same instincts that drive great venture investors. Joined by potential special guest De’Havia Stewart, an investor at Serena Williams’ venture firm and Broadway investor (Othello, Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen), the conversation will highlight the many ways to participate in investing—whether that’s in people, art, or startups. Attendees will leave inspired to see that venture capital isn’t a closed world—it’s a creative one. And every investment, no matter how small, can be the start of your journey.
Breaking into Venture Capital - Ask Me Anything
Venture capital is one of the most competitive and relationship-driven industries to break into—but this AMA will give you rare, unfiltered access to someone who’s done it. Jason C. has spent the last decade building and investing in companies, from founding two startups to becoming a partner at Contrary shortly after graduating from Wharton/Lauder. He’s led investments in standout companies like Orchard Robotics, Nomic, and Endeavor AI, and his angel portfolio includes high-growth names such as Warp, Ramp, Clara, and Slingshot AI.
Behavioral Interview Question Samples
Prepare for your behavioral interviews with this comprehensive guide. We break down the most common questions and give you the tools to craft powerful, memorable answers.
VC Interview Timeline & Strategy Template
Master the venture capital interview process. This template breaks down the timeline, strategies, and key steps you need to take to land a job at a VC firm.
Technical Interview Questions List
Prepare for your technical interviews with this comprehensive guide. We break down common questions and provide short answers to point you in the right direction.
Ask Me Anything: From Founder to Dorm Room Fund & Greycroft Investor
Ever wondered what it's like to go from building a startup in college to investing in them? Join Jessica G.—current Stanford GSB student, former founder of Frönen (acquired), and investor at Dorm Room Fund and Greycroft—for a candid Q&A session on both sides of the table. Whether you're a student founder, exploring VC as a career path, or raising your first round, bring your questions and curiosity. No pitch decks required—just real talk about startups, fundraising, and breaking into venture capital.
Example IB/PE Resume — Evercore IB
See an example resume that's been used for a variety of finance roles. The resume background highlights finance degree at UT Austin and work experience at Evercore and I Squared Capital.
Resume Example - Consulting, IB, and Impact Investing
See how one Harvard grad highlights their work experience from management consulting to leading a $X00M+ impact investing firm.
The Perfect Interview Follow-Up Email
Learn how to write a perfect follow-up email after your interview. This template gives you the tools to stand out, make a lasting impression, and land the job.
Breaking Into Venture Capital Panel
Venture capital is one of the most competitive and exciting career paths in finance and startups—but breaking in isn’t easy. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from VCs who have successfully navigated the recruiting process and built careers at top firms. Our panelists will share how they landed their first roles in venture, the skills and experiences that helped them stand out, and what they look for in future investors. They’ll also discuss day-to-day responsibilities, industry trends, and advice for anyone looking to break into VC. Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, or pivoting from another field, this session will give you the insights and strategies to launch your own path in venture capital.
Networking for Venture Capital
Learn best practices for networking from a principal at Menlo Ventures.
VC Networking Tracker
Master the art of networking in venture capital. This tracker helps you organize your contacts, follow-up, and build the relationships you need to land a job.
The Ultimate Cold Outreach Template
Stop sending cold emails that get ignored. Learn how to write effective outreach templates that get responses and land you opportunities.
Breaking into VC Office Hours
Ready to launch your career in venture capital? Join us for an exclusive workshop with Scott B., a seasoned VC professional and investor at Lightspeed, who will share insider tips on how to break into this competitive industry. Learn what top firms look for in candidates, how to build relevant skills and networks, and strategies to stand out during the recruiting process. Whether you're just starting out or pivoting from another field, this session will give you actionable advice and real-world insights to help you land your first role in venture capital.
Example Market Deep Dive: Next Gen Foods
Explore the booming Next Gen Foods market, from plant-based to cell-based meats, and uncover investment opportunities shaping the future of food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Writing
Many people have asked me a set of questions frequently. These questions will answer some of your questions quickly!
What VCs Want: Thesis, Diligence, and Deal Flow Explained
Understanding how venture capitalists evaluate startups is essential for anyone looking to break into VC or strengthen their investing skill set. In this workshop, Kenny J.—an operator and investor with experience at Google Ventures, CapitalG, Honeywell M&A, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs—will break down how VCs develop investment theses, source and evaluate deals, and run diligence with rigor. Drawing on his background evaluating 25+ early-stage opportunities, supporting $400M in transactions, and helping an autonomous trucking startup raise capital and build financial discipline, Kenny will offer a structured, no-nonsense look at the frameworks, modeling expectations, and sourcing strategies that matter most in venture.
How to Stand Out in VC Recruiting
Venture capital recruiting is relationship-driven, competitive, and often opaque—and standing out requires far more than a strong resume. In this session, you’ll learn how VC firms actually evaluate candidates, what signals investing potential, and how to differentiate yourself through sourcing, market insight, and clear thinking. We’ll cover networking strategies, outreach, interview preparation, and how to demonstrate judgment and curiosity even without prior investing experience.
