Today on Take the Stage we are shining the spotlight on Devin Brown, a Venture Capital Associate at TechNexus Venture Collaborative. Devin shares his inspiring journey from a high school athlete with Ivy League dreams to an up-and-coming figure in the venture capital space. He discusses the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategies that shaped his career, offering valuable advice for aspiring investors, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds.
Episode Outline and Highlights
[01:30] Devin discusses his upbringing in Dallas, Texas, and his early ambition to pursue athletics. He shares how he earned an athletic scholarship to attend an Ivy League school, but a significant ankle injury in high school redirected his career path from sports to academics, marking a pivotal moment in his life.
[05:29] Devin recounts his freshman year challenges, including loss of identity and the pivotal advice from his father that helped him refocus on academics.
[10:14] Devin talks about his internships and experiences in finance that solidified his interest in venture capital and private equity, particularly at Koch Industries.
[12:34] Devin details his transition from Deloitte Consulting to West Monroe Partners, highlighting how he acquired essential skills in M&A and PE due diligence during this period.
[15:00] Devin opens up about the grueling application process he faced, applying to over 75 venture capital firms and around 60 private equity firms, only to be met with rejection after rejection. He shares how these repeated setbacks taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance. Through this challenging journey, Devin strategically decided to focus solely on venture capital, channeling his energy and determination to break into the field despite the odds.
[17:28] Devin clearly outlines the differences between private equity and venture capital roles. He explains that private equity requires strong quantitative skills, such as financial modeling and valuation, due to its focus on later-stage, profitable companies. In contrast, venture capital values a broader range of backgrounds, including consulting, tech, and startups, because it deals with early-stage, high-growth startups where diverse skills and experiences are crucial for evaluating potential investments.
[19:51] Devin discusses the concept of “owning his story”. Devin's emphasis on his personal narrative became a powerful tool, showcasing his resilience and determination to potential employers.
[24:37] Devin delves into one of the most impactful pieces of advice he received: the importance of thinking like an investor. He explains how this mindset shift was crucial for his success in venture capital recruiting. Devin shares how embracing this approach helped him overcome challenges and better position himself in the VC landscape.
[27:01] Devin explains the various types of venture capital fellowships and emphasizes the strategic advantage of working with general partners who are in the process of raising their first funds.
[34:15] Devin shares his inspiration to bridge the wealth gap for African Americans through venture capital, driven by insights from the book Why Do White Guys Have All the Fun? by Reginald Lewis.
[36:41] Devin addresses the challenge posed by the friends and family round in venture capital and its significant impact on DEI.
[40:09] Devin emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in venture capital and the need for targeted solutions to address systemic issues, such as the friends and family funding gap.
[47:09] Alexis and Devin explore the broader implications of DEI and discuss how micro-actions can drive meaningful positive change.
Connect with our guest
Devin Brown's LinkedIn
Connect with Alexis: LinkedIn | alexis@career-rockstars.com
