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Why Index Ventures: Interviews, Careers, & Portfolio

Know more about the track record, sector focus, interview process, and salaries at Index Ventures
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    Index Ventures Overview

    Index Ventures is a European investment firm with dual headquarters in London and San Francisco, investing primarily in technology-enabled companies with a focus on security, infrastructure/AI, gaming, mobility, fintech, and e-commerce.

    Generally, the firm’s deal flow can be categorized into 3 types: 

    1. Deals sourced via thematic research – The firm perform intensive research into industries or sectors where they believe disruptive companies could emerge
    1. Deals gained via referrals from network of former and current portfolio companies, angel investors, VC industry colleagues, and advisors
    1. Deals where companies directly and spontaneously reach out to Index Ventures through events, email, or social media.

    Since its inception in 1996, Index Ventures has invested in quite a number of companies and raised around $5.6 billion. The firm’s partners often appear on the Midas List of the top tech investors in Israel and Europe.

    Index Ventures was officially founded by Neil Rimer, Giuseppe Zocco, and David Rimer in 1996. 

    Index Ventures logo

    Index Ventures AUM

    Currently, Index Ventures does not publicly disclose its Assets Under Management (AUM), as is common practice among some private investment firms.

    Index Ventures Interview Process & Questions

    There can always be changes in the interview process for each candidate. However, the general nature of the process tends to stay the same at Index Ventures (or a firm like it). In other words, you can likely expect the following:

    • 4-6 rounds for interviews
    • The HR team or junior investment professionals handle the initial rounds, while the more senior staff supervise the later rounds
    • Entire process can last multiple weeks – unless it is “on-cycle” or “on-campus” recruiting

    When you interview at Index Ventures, prepare to receive a mixture of behavioral questions, fit questions, and technical / investing questions.

    To better prepare for interviews, check out my Growth Equity Interview Guide.

    Why Index Ventures

    “Why this firm” is one of the frequently asked and most important questions you’ll encounter during interviews.

    If you’ve done networking, this is a great opportunity to mention whoever you’ve met at the firm and how they’ve positively influenced your decision to apply at the firm.

    Moreover, it’s important to do some research about the firm before attending interviews. One of the best ways to learn about a firm is to listen to interviews with its founders, investors, and employees. You can also read articles and news about the firm.

    For starters, you can check out this interview with Index Ventures General Partner Mike Volpi:

    YouTube video

    More interviews

    Index Ventures Case Study

    Interviewers almost always have the candidates conduct case studies. Firms use case studies to evaluate the communication skills and technical knowledge of each applicant.

    At Index Ventures, most cast studies revolve around investment recommendations and financial modeling. However, junior roles are often required to perform a cold calling case study as well.

    Check out my Growth Equity Interview Guide for in-depth discussion of case studies.

    Index Ventures Salary & Compensation

    According to Glassdoor, the estimated annual pay for Analysts at Index Ventures is around $69,449. Keep in mind that this figure considers several factors such as level of experience, education, skills and certifications.

    Analyst

    Index Ventures salary

    From other public sources, recent associates at Index ventures have earned around $104,000 to $121,784 per year.

    Index Ventures salary

    Index Ventures Careers, Jobs, & Internships

    To view open roles at Index Ventures, head over to our job board where you can also find vacant positions at similar firms.

    Index Ventures Portfolio & Investments

    According to Crunchbase, Index Ventures has done 1,104 investments and manages 20 funds since inception. Some of the firm’s notable deals include Dropbox, Squarespace, and Notion.

    Notable Transaction: Roblox

    Roblox is the largest social platform for kids to imagine, build, and play with friends in immersive 3D worlds. More than 22 million user-generated games have been created on the Roblox platform with 48+ million players logging in to Roblox every single month.

    During peak hours, around one million concurrent players sign in to play at Roblox platform and has 300 million hours of time spent by users per month – making it 3rd overall for children between 6-12 years old as per comScore.

    In March 2017, Roblox announced the closing of a $92 million funding round. Index Ventures and Meritech Capital Partners led the financing. Index Ventures Co-founder and Partner Neil Rimer and Meritech’s Managing Director Craig Sherman took observer seats on the Roblox board.

    The said investment is the first equity financing in the last five years for Roblox, and will be allocated to improve the platform’s infrastructure and getting top talents.

    Next Steps

    Index Ventures could be the right firm for you if you’re interested in tech, AI, gaming and its other focus sectors. If you plan to join the firm, I highly recommend checking out my Growth Equity Interview Guide first.

    This self-paced online course can help you get a good grasp at financial modeling, market thesis, and other growth equity investing topics that are commonly asked during interviews by going through step-by-step video lessons and learning from examples.

    Check it out and start learning today!

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    Mike Hinckley

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