The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Senior Venture Capital Partner / Principal
5-8 years in a traditional VC firm before transitioning to CVC leadership.Skills to master
- Deep deal sourcing, independent investment decision-making, portfolio company value creation, fund raising (LP relations), and managing a small team. You'll need to adapt to the strategic overlay of CVC.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple deals from sourcing to exit in a traditional VC setting.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage a strong network of founders and co-investors.
- Proven capacity to mentor junior investment professionals.
- Clear understanding of fund economics and LP expectations.
- 2
Head of Corporate Development / M&A
7-10 years leading M&A or corporate strategy for a large corporation.Skills to master
- Strategic corporate planning, complex transaction execution, post-merger integration, internal stakeholder management at the C-suite level. You'll need to develop a venture mindset and understand early-stage company dynamics.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully completed and integrated multiple strategic acquisitions.
- Strong relationships with C-suite executives and Board members.
- Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional deal teams.
- Demonstrated understanding of how M&A drives corporate strategy.
- 3
Director, Corporate Venturing (Internal Promotion)
3-5 years as a Director within our own Corporate Venturing team.Skills to master
- Deep understanding of our specific investment thesis, strong internal stakeholder relationships, proven ability to lead and mentor Principals and Associates, and a track record of successfully championing deals through our IC process.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeded performance metrics as a Director.
- Demonstrated leadership in shaping the fund's strategy.
- Strong positive feedback from direct reports and peers.
- Successfully managed a significant portion of the fund's portfolio.