How to navigate the comms nuances of venture capital
A stressful, but highly rewarding space, here’s what Silicon Valley insiders say about working with VCs and delivering the goods from plucky startup to IPO.
The venture capital environment is fast-paced, stressful and fluid. Perhaps that’s why it appeals to high-energy public relations and communications professionals. But it’s not an easy field to break in to. Low attrition and a finite number of opportunities make it difficult to land a coveted position. If you’re determined to work in this sector, here’s a few of the personality traits and skill sets you need to succeed.
Experience, expertise and pivot-ability
Hands-on experience is table stakes, but you’ll also have to hone your expertise. That knowledge gives you the credibility you need to provide counsel. As the work is mostly reactive, you need the confidence to offer guidance in a lightning-quick environment.
Working in a VC firm, you counsel the firm’s partners and its portfolio of clients. Coaching both internal and external stakeholders requires the ability to think clearly and carefully under pressure. Plus, you’ll often need to pivot quickly so that you can adapt to the goals of each partner and the circumstances of each client.
Norwest Venture Partners VP of Marketing, Brand & Digital Ellie Javadi says:
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