I’m solid at product metrics but get lost in cap tables and waterfall models. How long does it take to become proficient enough for VC interviews? Are there specific frameworks that map to PM thinking styles?
if you can’t model a basic convertible note after a weekend of study, maybe stay in product. VCs want pattern recognition, not Excel monkeys. focus on your edge - judging teams and markets, let the associates crunch numbers
I used YC’s SAFE agreement template to build a personal ‘red flag’ checklist - like how I’d assess product requirements. Framed liquidation prefs as ‘feature priority conflicts’ during interviews. Got mixed reactions but showed creative thinking!
The average PM-to-VC transition requires 80-120 hours of financial upskilling. Focus on: 1) Portfolio construction math (power law distributions) 2) Term sheet economics (liquidation preferences > valuation) 3) Basic SaaS metrics LTV/CAC payback periods. PMs typically plateau at 60% financial fluency vs career investors.