Marketing partners and managers need at least five years of experience in leadership positions in marketing departments at the portfolio companies of VC firms, at marketing firms, or in the VC departments of corporations. Entry-level marketing professionals must have at least one year of marketing experience at a well-known corporation or in a related alternative investment sector (e.g., private equity, hedge funds).
Marketing specialists must be able to write informative and interesting press releases, social media posts, and other communications. A “gift for gab” and the ability to schmooze will come in handy because marketing specialists are in frequent contact with reporters, bloggers, and current and potential investors. Other important traits include an eye for detail, the ability to multitask, a positive personality, and creativity. Marketing specialists need to be proficient in the use of venture capital terminology and investment strategies and be able to use Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word; enterprise collaboration software such as Microsoft Dynamics and Oracle PeopleSoft; and customer relationship management software such as Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge and QAD Marketing Automation. They should also be skilled at using social media and search engine optimization techniques.