I am interested in pursuing a career in venture capital or private equity. What can I do to prepare?

First you should do some research into the different types of venture capital and private equity to determine which style of fund interests you most. Once you have decided what you are interested in, the best advice we can give you is to start networking as early as possible. Since venture capital and private equity companies do not regularly recruit at business schools, networking is the key to opportunities. Additionally, try to gain experience in the market through Fuqua's Mentored Study program and intern with a venture capital company during the school year.

For more questions on careers in venture capital, please email to mba-evcc@duke.edu.











What is the difference between private equity and venture capital?

Private equity investing entails investing in any company that is not listed on a public marketplace, such as a stock exchange. Venture Capital is a specific sub segment of private equity which entails investing in start-up companies with strong growth prospects.











I want to be an entrepreneur. What can I do at Fuqua to prepare?

There are a number of classes targeted towards entrepreneurs, such as New Venture Planning or Entrepreneurial Finance for Fuqua students. There are also a number of opportunities for you to gain experiential learning through participating in events like the Duke Start Up Challenge where you develop your own business plan. Additionally, look for events hosted by the EVCC targeted towards entrepreneurial development.











What classes are available for students interested in Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital?

Fuqua has a number of classes targeted at these areas. Find information about our Entrepreneurship and Innovation Concentration.












Is Durham a good place for entrepreneurs?

Durham is situated in North Carolina 's Research Triangle, which is a haven for technology innovation, medical innovation, and start-ups. Similar to Boston and Silicon Valley, the Research Triangle's innovation is made possible by the surrounding renowned universities. Unlike the Boston and Silicon Valley areas, however, the Raleigh Durham area has greater potential for growth due to lower cost of living and greater availability of undeveloped land. These factors have helped the Raleigh Durham area achieve the #1 ranking for U.S. Technology Centers.
For more information on the RTP area and entrepreneurship, visit the Council for Entrepreneurial Development.











Who can I contact for more information on entrepreneurship and venture capital opportunities at Fuqua?

For entrepreneurship and/ or VC questions, please feel free to contact  through e-mail to mba-evcc@duke.edu.