Inside the world of venture capital
Get ready for an inspiring and practical look inside the world of venture capital (VC). This workshop will be led by Shayan Roy Chowdhury, Interim Managing Director at the Newton Venture Program, to demystify VC and share how you can get involved in this exciting and evolving industry.
Shayan leads one of the foremost VC education initiatives in the world, building programmes that equip people from overlooked and underestimated backgrounds with the skills, networks and confidence to thrive in the sector. With experience spanning strategy consulting, innovation management and global leadership communities, he brings a unique perspective on how VC works, where it's going and how you can find your place in it.
In this session, Shayan will cover:
- what venture capital is -- and why it matters in today's economy
- what it's like to work in VC -- the opportunities, the challenges, and the day-to-day reality
- how the industry has evolved -- and where it's heading next
- key skills and competencies -- what you need to succeed
- breaking into the space -- practical advice for getting started, no matter your background
Shayan will also highlight how the Newton Venture Program is creating pathways for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to not only enter the VC industry, but to shape it, influence its direction, and share in its rewards.
Shayan says: “The future of VC to me is one that brings the richness of the world to bear -- this means everyone including people of colour, women, non-binary individuals, gen Z, neurodiverse folks, and all other intersectional identities are represented in VC -- including being able to learn about VC, build community in VC, influence the ecosystem, deploy capital and participate economically in venture capital returns.”
This session will run for around 45 minutes with time for an audience Q&A at the end, so bring your questions. Whether you're curious about VC, actively pursuing a career in the field or simply looking for fresh insights into how startups are funded, this event is for you.