How to stand out when applying to a VC fund?
VCs receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for each open position, therefore, a strong cover letter offers a valuable opportunity to differentiate yourself by sharing your personal story.
Hi there!! I’m Conrad, a VC and startup enthusiastic, and I’m happy to have you here!
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Today’s deep dive: How do I create a really good letter for my applications?
A strong cover letter can make the difference between getting noticed or overlooked. Unlike a resume, a cover letter allows candidates to express their personality, passion, and unique value proposition.
Let’s start with the structure of the post, where I will give you an overview of what you'll be reading, helping you understand both the content and how it has been organized.
In this post we are going to cover the three essential WHY components of a great cover letter that will help you stand out when applying to a VC fund:
Not all VCs ask for a CL
While some VC firms might not require a cover letter, submitting one gives candidates an advantage.
Why you?
Stand out yourself from the crowd and highlight why you are a strong FIT for the role.
Why venture capital?
Show a real understanding of the sector, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the VC world and a passion for the sector.
Why this VC firm?
Understand that tailoring the letter to the specific VC firm is important and that VCs often goes for a specific vertical inside of an industry.
Plus, we’ll provide tips and even share my own cover letter as an example.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear blueprint for crafting a cover letter that grabs the attention of VCs and sets you apart from the competition.
Not all VCs ask for a CL
Not all VC firms require a cover letter, but submitting one can be a game-changer.
In a competitive industry like venture capital, where firms often receive a flood of resumes, a cover letter is your chance to tell your story, convey your passion, and prove that you're not just another candidate in the pile.
A strong cover letter helps differentiate you from the crowd by letting you present your personality, your understanding of the industry, and why you are the best fit for the firm.
1. Why you?
This section of your cover letter is all about showcasing your unique qualifications and why you’re the right fit for the role. Instead of simply rehashing your resume, use this space to emphasize your key strengths and experiences that align with the venture capital world.
Start by thinking about the core skills required in VC: financial analysis, deal sourcing, due diligence, understanding startups, and building relationships with entrepreneurs. Then, highlight the specific experiences in your background that show you excel in these areas.
For example, if you’ve worked at a startup, you might write:
Having served as the head of operations at a Series A SaaS startup, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that early-stage companies face. I helped build scalable systems, led strategic initiatives, and worked closely with the founders during fundraising efforts.
This exposure has given me a unique perspective that I’m excited to bring to a venture capital firm that supports startups through similar growth challenges.
If you have experience in finance or consulting, emphasize how those skills can translate to VC:
During my time as a consultant for high-growth tech companies, I developed financial models and conducted market research that directly informed investment decisions. My ability to analyze business models, assess market opportunities, and identify risks will allow me to add immediate value to your due diligence processes.
The goal is to demonstrate that you have the skills and experiences necessary to contribute meaningfully to the VC firm’s operations. Avoid generic statements—be specific about what makes you a great fit.
2. Why venture capital?
In this section, you need to convey a deep understanding of venture capital and why you are passionate about it.
VCs want to see that you’re not just interested in the job but are genuinely drawn to the world of startups, innovation, and high-risk investments. This is where you should discuss your motivation for pursuing a career in venture capital, and why you’re excited about the opportunity to support entrepreneurs.
You can start by explaining your personal connection to the VC world. Maybe you’ve been involved with startups, have been reading about VC trends, or have even started angel investing on your own. For example, you could write:
My passion for venture capital stems from my fascination with entrepreneurship and innovation. I’ve spent the last two years attending startup pitch events, meeting with founders, and developing my own investment thesis focused on emerging tech sectors like AI and blockchain. This involvement has not only fueled my desire to support high-potential startups but also given me a strong foundation in evaluating business models and market opportunities.
If you don’t have direct VC or startup experience, you can still demonstrate your understanding of the industry by referencing research, market trends, or side projects:
I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of technology and business, which is why I’ve spent time independently researching venture capital trends and reading books like ‘Venture Deals’ by Brad Feld. I’ve also recently completed an online course on startup financing and venture capital, where I built financial models and analyzed case studies of successful startups.
Make it clear that you’re not only knowledgeable about the sector but also deeply invested in its future. This demonstrates that you’re in it for the long haul, which is critical in an industry that thrives on long-term relationships and strategic investments.
3. Why this VC firm? FIT is KEY
VC firms don’t just look for generalists; they want candidates who understand and align with their specific focus areas, investment thesis, and values.
This is where your research on the firm comes into play. You need to show that you understand what makes this particular VC firm unique and why you’re excited to work with them specifically.
Start by researching the firm’s portfolio companies, investment focus (e.g., early-stage, Series A, fintech, biotech), and any unique aspects of their investment strategy.
Then, tailor your letter to explain how your background and interests align with what they do. For example:
I’ve been following [VC firm] for several years and have been particularly impressed by your investments in the health tech space, including [portfolio company 1] and [portfolio company 2]. Having previously worked in health tech, where I helped build predictive analytics tools for hospitals, I’m passionate about the potential for technology to revolutionize healthcare. Your focus on early-stage health tech companies perfectly aligns with my background and interests, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your efforts in this space.
Additionally, mention any cultural or personal fit you might have with the firm. VCs look for people who resonate with their values and work culture, so it’s helpful to highlight these connections:
I’m also drawn to [VC firm] collaborative approach to working with portfolio companies. Your emphasis on hands-on support and founder-first philosophy resonates with my own experience working with startup teams and my belief in building long-term partnerships.
The goal is to make the VC firm feel like you’re not just applying to any fund—you’re applying to them because you understand and admire their work, and you’re excited to contribute in a meaningful way.
Tips for successful applications
Prepare, prepare and prepare: Research the VC firm thoroughly. Know their portfolio, key partners, and focus areas inside and out.
Discipline: Follow the application instructions carefully. Missing details can quickly disqualify you.
Seek for professional help: Don’t hesitate to get feedback on your cover letter. A second set of eyes can help catch mistakes or unclear language.
These tips will help you navigate the application process and increase your chances.
Recap and final thoughts
A strong cover letter is your chance to stand out in a competitive industry like venture capital. By answering the three key questions—Why you? Why venture capital? Why this Firm?—you can create a cover letter that showcases your unique value proposition, demonstrates your passion for the sector, and shows that you’re the right fit for the firm. Make it personal, make it specific, and make it count.
Here my Cover Letter for VCs
If you have any doubts on this exercise or you need something specific from me, do not hesitate in texting me or email me to conrad.carbonell@iese.net.
Hope I helped you and get free funding very soon! See you next week.
Disclaimer 1: I am not gaining any financial or other personal benefits from announcing or promoting this startups. My purpose is solely to provide information based on the available data.
Disclaimer 2: the information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. I encourage readers to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any investment decisions.