Working for a VC is a good career move that offers an exciting job, high paid salary, and much more.
If you are about to embark on your career or looking to switch jobs and have an interest in the financial world then Venture Capital (VC) is a sector worth considering. VCs are growing rapidly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and this is a very exciting time to be part of its ecosystem.
Venture Capital (VC) is a form of private-equity financing through which investors support startup companies to obtain long-term capital gains. VC firms are an investment vehicle that allow entrepreneurs to receive money for their company’s growth in the short term and for investors to grow their wealth in the long term. Although it’s considered high risk, high reward for all the key players, VC firms mitigate risks by monitoring investments closely and supporting entrepreneurs to ensure their success.
Today, according to Tracxn, the world’s largest platform for tracking startups and private companies, there are 67 VC funds in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As these numbers grow, so will the job opportunities in them as well.
VC firms across the Kingdom are being offered fresh and exciting opportunities under the Saudi Vision 2030, which outlines the Kingdom’s long-term economic strategy. Wamda reported that five years into the Saudi Vision 2030, VC funding in the Kingdom has risen to an all-time high with a recorded SAR 569.6 million ($151.9 million) in investment raised across 88 deals in 2020.
Positive economic policies, growing purchasing power, and an exciting entrepreneurial landscape means that the Kingdom is emerging as the largest market in the MENA region for VC firms. With so much potential to grow, job opportunities in a VC firm have benefits that include high paid salary, intellectual stimulation, and professional growth.
Here are top 5 reasons why you should join a VC firm in Saudi Arabia:
Understand the start-up ecosystem
While working on critically analyzing startup companies, you will learn the fundamentals of building a profit-making business. There is a real entrepreneurial spirit in the Kingdom under Saudi Vision 2030, making this an ideal time to work in the VC sector to support the booming startup ecosystem. From understanding the technicalities of growing a profitable business to launching exciting homegrown businesses that can eventually be scaled regionally and globally, it is all part of the learning at a VC firm.
Diversity of industry
Apart from learning about what makes a business successful, you will also work with startups across different industries. Currently in the Kingdom, VCs are investing in tech, logistics, transport, education, fintech and other sectors. Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), a Riyadh-based technology VC fund, has predicted that venture capital investments have the potential to expand tenfold to $500 million in 2025 from $50 million in 2018. A position at a VC firm will allow you to explore and understand various industries and sectors.
Work with the founders
When working at a VC firm, you will work closely with the startup team including the founders and CEO. You will get insight into the complete journey of the company from the idea to its challenges of raising capital. To work with these inspiring people that have taken a risk and have such a strong belief in their ideas, you will learn about the type of mindset it takes to be determined and have the drive to take a chance. It’s a way to build a solid network of ambitious individuals working across the Kingdom and abroad.
Learn about market trends
By working at a VC firm, you will get a closer look at the current market trends and learn how to predict future market trends in the Kingdom, MENA region, and beyond. You will gain skills to understand and predict what concepts work and can be game-changing. In a short period of time, you will have the opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge of how the fast-paced financial market works.
Access to other job opportunities
The accelerated skills you will acquire by working in a VC firm will allow you access to a range of exciting job opportunities in the future both in the Kingdom and abroad. By learning about what makes businesses successful, your options can include joining a startup, managing a seed-stage fund, or setting up your own venture.
Prepare for your entrepreneurial journey
You’ll gain many practical skills and experiences by working in the VC world, but what’s more important is that you’ll have built a strong network of founders and investors. These factors will help you start your own business one day, and provide you with a great opportunity and starting point to become a successful entrepreneur.
Venture Capital is a high-pressure job and a competitive career choice. It’s adventurous, involves risk-taking, and offers a range of experiences. If you’re ambitious and eager to be part of the exciting financial ecosystem, then it is an ideal career choice for you.
FAQs
Venture capital (VC) is a form of financing that provides funding and guidance to startups and early-stage companies with high growth potential. It can be an exciting and rewarding career path for those who have a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact.
Why do you want to join a VC firm? ›
Q: Why venture capital? A: Because you are passionate about working with startups, helping them grow, and finding promising new companies – and you prefer that to starting your own company or executing deals.
Why choose venture capital as a career? ›
This career is both challenging and rewarding, because you may eventually get high returns on your investments. Understanding the details about this career can help you decide if this is the right career for you.
What is the benefit of VC? ›
Aside from the financial backing, obtaining venture capital financing can provide a start-up or young business with a valuable source of guidance and consultation. This can help with a variety of business decisions, including financial management and human resource management.
What do VC firms look for in candidates? ›
To be useful to a VC firm, you need some full-time, real-world experience and at least the beginnings of a professional network. Venture capital internships during undergrad are more plausible and are often a useful way to win investment banking roles later on.
What makes a great VC partner? ›
Qualities of a Successful Venture Partner
These qualities include: Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of specific sectors, enabling them to provide valuable insights and guidance. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and advise on strategies that drive startup growth and innovation.
What is the most important thing in VC? ›
Quite simply, management is by far the most important factor that smart investors take into consideration.
Do VC firms pay well? ›
Annual salary and bonuses differ broadly in this field depending on the size of the VC firm and its specialization. In general, VC associates can expect an annual salary of $60,000 to $133,000. 1 With a bonus, which is typically a percentage of salary, the overall compensation can be much higher.
How can I do well in a VC interview? ›
Research the Firm
Start by thoroughly researching the VC firm you're interviewing with. Understand its investment focus, ethos, portfolio companies, and recent activities. This will enable you to tailor responses and demonstrate your alignment with the firm's goals.
What excites you about venture capital? ›
You can answer this question by showing your enthusiasm for companies in the early stages of development. Example answer: “I've been wanting to work for a venture capital firm for a long time, mainly because I'm very interested in observing young companies.
It's a tiny industry that is tough to break into. For sure. Truly tiny. There are only a few hundred VC firms, and each may only need 1-3 more junior investors.
Why do people become venture capitalists? ›
VCs are willing to risk investing in such companies because they can earn a massive return on their investments if they are successful. However, VCs have high rates of failure because of the uncertainty involved with new and unproven companies.
Why should I join a VC? ›
Working for a VC is a good career move that offers an exciting job, high paid salary, and much more. If you are about to embark on your career or looking to switch jobs and have an interest in the financial world then Venture Capital (VC) is a sector worth considering.
Why do you want to work at a VC firm? ›
Why do you want a job in VC? To answer this question, you should demonstrate a clear understanding of the industry and explain how your skills and experiences align with the demands of the role. You can also talk about your passion for innovation and your interest in startups.
Is working in VC prestigious? ›
Working for a prestigious VC firm adds to the industry's allure, but working in venture capital, regardless of the firm, is considered prestigious to outsiders for various reasons.
Why do you want to join communication club? ›
People promote people they know, like and trust. Therefore, an organization that helps you with your people and interpersonal skills such as communication skills, presentation skills, business networking skills and leadership skills is very beneficial.
Why do you want to start a joint venture? ›
One of the most important joint venture advantages is that it can help your business grow faster, increase productivity and generate greater profits. Other benefits of joint ventures include: access to new markets and distribution networks. increased capacity.
Why do you want to participate in the conference? ›
Taking part in conferences provides valuable networking opportunities with professionals who have similar interests. It allows attendees to connect with experts and peers, leading to potential collaborations. Engaging in these interactions broadens one's professional network and opens doors to new opportunities.
Why do you want to join Interact Club? ›
Take action, build international understanding, and make new friends around the world. Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun.
