Neal Mintz, a 26-year-old senior associate at Wischoff Ventures, successfully secured his dream position in venture capital after an intense three-week interview process. Mintz’s journey to this role began during his college years at Washington University’s Olin Business School, where he developed a passion for the venture capital ecosystem while interning in Tel Aviv’s thriving startup scene.
Upon graduation, Mintz found it challenging to immediately enter the venture capital field. Instead, he began his career at Ernst & Young, spending two years in digital strategy consulting. Although he worked with Fortune 500 clients and tried to align his interests with his work, Mintz realized that advancing further in consulting would make it more difficult to transition into an investing role later.
Determined to pursue his passion, Mintz left EY for a position at a venture studio, where he honed his skills in due diligence for early-stage business opportunities. He then moved to Ground Up Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, where he was the sole employee alongside four partners. This experience provided him with valuable on-the-job learning opportunities.
After nearly two years at Ground Up Ventures, Mintz sought a new challenge and the potential for upward mobility. This led him to apply for a position at Wischoff Ventures, founded by Nichole Wischoff, whose work he admired. Mintz saw the opportunity to be the fund’s first full-time hire as a chance to work directly with Wischoff and gain invaluable experience.
The competition for the role was fierce, with over 500 applicants vying for the position. Mintz underwent a rigorous three-week interview process, which included multiple one-hour calls, an in-person meeting, and tasks such as weighing in on due diligence opportunities and startup investments.
Throughout the process, Mintz went above and beyond to demonstrate his capabilities and commitment. When Wischoff mentioned the need to set up a payroll provider for her first hire, Mintz offered to do it for free, even though he was still in the interview stage. This proactive approach showcased his willingness to take initiative and add value to the organization.
Mintz’s aggressive strategy has faced criticism from some who view him as a try-hard. However, he defends his approach, emphasizing that the competitive nature of the venture capital industry demands such dedication and effort. He argues that the interview process reflects the realities of working in venture capital, where junior investors face frequent rejections from founders and must think creatively to secure deals.
According to Mintz, success in venture capital requires a willingness to go above and beyond, whether it’s implementing customer
relationship management systems or planning social events. He stresses that breaking into the industry is a long-term game, noting that it took him five years to secure his current position.
While Mintz acknowledges that his journey may seem daunting, he believes it’s attainable for anyone who is passionate and committed to the field. He encourages aspiring venture capitalists to persevere, emphasizing that the path to success in this competitive industry requires dedication, creativity, and a willingness to take on any task that adds value to the organization.
Mintz’s story serves as an inspiration and a reality check for those looking to enter the venture capital world. His experience highlights the importance of persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to go the extra mile in securing and succeeding in a coveted position within this highly competitive industry.