xiry.

Business & Money · Tip

How to Get a Job in VC: The Deal Flow Strategy

A cold outreach tactic to land VC jobs by sourcing deals first.

From the Xiry library · Updated 11 October 2026

This career tip from Harry Stebbings outlines a direct method to break into venture capital by providing upfront deal flow. Instead of submitting applications, candidates source and send relevant companies to target partners over 60 days to prove their sourcing ability before asking for a role.

How it works

Getting a job in venture capital per Harry Stebbings:

1. Choose three VC partners that you like and would want to work for.

2. Study the type and stage of company they like.

3. Send them one company every other day that fits their stage and thesis. Provide one line on why it is interesting.

4. Do this for 60 days and '100% guarantee you will have a job offer'.

Principle: 'Show the freemium version of yourself' — give the product (deal flow) before being hired.

What it's for

  • Break into venture capital without traditional finance or consulting credentials
  • Build direct relationships with specific VC partners
  • Demonstrate deal-sourcing and analysis skills before interviewing

Key points

  • Select three specific target partners aligned with personal career goals
  • Analyze their investment stages, target sectors, and thesis preferences
  • Send one tailored startup recommendation every other day with a one-line thesis
  • Maintain consistent deal-sharing cadence over a 60-day period
  • Apply the 'freemium product' principle to career recruiting by offering upfront value

Pricing

Free

Details

Type
Tip
Category
Business & Money
Topic
Career Strategy
Open source
No
Platforms
other
For
Aspiring venture capitalists and startup operators looking to transition into VC
Tags
venture capital, deal flow, job search, career advice, cold outreach

Why it was saved

  • @HarryStebbings, 11 January 2026: Concrete and specific: names a timeline (60 days), a cadence (one company every other day), and what to send. Memorable framing: 'show the freemium version of yourself'.

Related

Updated