#008: Investor Relations: What to Know If You’re Considering a Career in IR!
Thinking of venture capital, but not drawn to making investments yourself?
Maybe you’ve stumbled across a job posting for an Investor Relations Associate at a VC or PE fund and thought, “This sounds interesting… but what exactly do these people do?” That was me, too. It piqued my interest, partly because I wasn’t entirely sure what it entailed, and because it seemed to sit right at the heart of how a VC fund builds trust and stays funded. So, I decided to dig in.
This article is my attempt to share what I’ve learned so far about building a career in Investor Relations, especially within early-stage VC firms. This isn’t expert advice; it’s more like a well-organised brain dump for anyone figuring out their path in this space. I hope it offers you a useful and honest starting point.
Investor Relations (IR) in venture capital or private equity sits at the intersection of finance, storytelling, and relationship-building. It’s not as visible as the partner making the big investment calls, but it’s just as crucial. The IR role keeps investors informed, engaged, and, ideally, excited about what the fund is doing. As I’ve explored the role — reading job descriptions, talking to people in the space, and digging into what success looks like, I’ve realised that IR isn’t just about reporting numbers. It’s less about numbers and more about the people who make those numbers possible.
Understanding the Role: Wearing Many Hats
When I first looked into the role of an Investor Relations (IR) associate at a VC firm, I liked how those who take on the role seem to wear many hats. According to a job description I found, a typical IR associate’s responsibilities include preparing quarterly investor reports, coordinating with finance and legal teams on fund communications, creating presentations for investors (such as for the annual general meeting), and responding to investor inquiries. In simpler terms, IR professionals act as a bridge between the VC fund and its investors (i.e., LPs), ensuring they stay informed and confident about the fund’s performance.
Reporting and Communication: Building Trust
A key aspect of the role is regular reporting and communication. IR associates often compile detailed quarterly (or sometimes monthly, depending on the agreed cadence) reports that update investors on portfolio progress, new investments, financial performance, and notable challenges or successes, effectively telling the story behind the numbers.
A robust communication program typically includes not only quarterly updates but also newsletters, annual reports, and sometimes personalised calls or meetings. The goal is simple yet crucial: keep investors informed and never leave them in the dark.
As one career resource puts it, IR professionals essentially have two main responsibilities: attracting new investors and keeping current investors informed and satisfied. The second responsibility: maintaining strong relationships with existing backers, often comes down to building trust through consistent and open communication. One piece of advice I read emphasised that taking a disciplined approach to regular updates is vital and that, during tough times, the trust built by being transparent and proactive can convince investors to stay. That resonated with me because it highlights that the IR role is not just about marketing during good times; it is also about steady relationship-building, so investors feel secure even when markets are volatile. (sounds familiar to how founders are told to keep investors updated as often as possible)
Relationship Management: At the Core of IR
Speaking of relationships, another aspect of the IR role is investor relationship management (it’s in the name, after all!). This means being the go-to person for the fund’s existing investors whenever they have questions or requests. If an LP emails to ask about the progress of a particular startup in the portfolio or about the fund’s strategy in response to a market shift, it is the IR associate who crafts a thoughtful response.
Being responsive and helpful with these inquiries is key to nurturing long-term relationships. According to several job descriptions I reviewed, an IR associate or analyst is also responsible for handling due diligence questions. For instance, if a prospective investor is considering committing to the fund, the IR associate might compile all the relevant information, track record, investment strategy, performance data, and so on. In this sense, they are ambassadors of the firm, ensuring every investor, whether current or potential, feels informed and valued.
Big Events: Annual Meetings and Investor Gatherings
Most VC firms host an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or an annual investor day, and the IR team typically manages the entire event from start to finish (assuming there is a dedicated team). I find this part of the job quite exciting, as it combines project management, storytelling, content creation, and a touch of event planning.
In the run-up to an AGM, an IR associate will create presentations, gather updates from all portfolio companies, rehearse talking points with partners, and ensure the event runs smoothly and delivers value to investors. Annual meetings are a big deal: they showcase the fund’s progress over the year and give investors an opportunity to ask questions directly to the fund’s partners and perhaps even meet some founders from the portfolio. These gatherings are often the highlight of the year and serve as important touchpoints, strengthening the personal connection between the firm and its backers.
Beyond the big annual meeting, an IR associate may also organise smaller investor events throughout the year. These could be networking dinners, roundtable discussions, or informal catch-ups during major industry conferences. The idea, which I really like, is to build a sense of community among investors. Some funds host LP summits or private roundtables where investors not only hear updates but also share perspectives and network with one another.
Being effective in IR means creating opportunities for investors to feel engaged and connected, whether through exclusive webinar series, a Slack group for LPs, or invitations to meet portfolio founders. In essence, these are all investor cultivation strategies that transform the investor-firm relationship from a mere transactional exchange into a deeper partnership. This gives a flavour of how much relationship-building outside of formal reporting goes into this role.
CRM and Data Management: The Behind-the-Scenes Engine
A less glamorous but still important aspect of the role is managing the CRM system and the myriad of data associated with investors. When people think of investor relations, they often picture the networking and presentations, but there is also a lot of data management behind the scenes.
An IR associate might maintain a database (often using Salesforce or a specialised investor portal) that includes key information on current and prospective investors, contact details, preferences, commitment amounts, communication history, and more. Keeping this database accurate and up-to-date is important.
While it might sound like an administrative chore, CRM management is really about enhancing relationships at scale. It is the engine that ensures no investor falls through the cracks and that outreach efforts (such as newsletters or event invitations ) are well-targeted and effective.
Prospecting and Outreach: Bringing in New Investors
While much of IR involves managing relationships with existing investors, there is also a forward-looking angle: bringing new investors on board. This part is similar to a sales or business development role. As venture firms grow or raise new funds, they could rely on the IR role to identify and attract potential LPs.
Interestingly, I wondered how one even begins to “prospect” for investors — it sounds a bit abstract compared to, say, finding sales leads. However, I have learned that it involves researching who might be interested in investing in a fund (family offices, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals) and then strategising how to approach them.
Essentially, you become the storyteller for the fund’s vision and track record, crafting compelling pitch decks and reaching out through your networks or through cold introductions. This requires a strong understanding of the fund’s unique selling points and an appreciation of what different types of investors value. For example, a pension fund might care deeply about long-term returns and detailed due diligence, whereas a family office might be more relationship-driven.
Fundraising skills and investor relations go hand-in-hand, especially in venture capital; communicating why your fund is worth backing and building new relationships from scratch is a core part of the role, even if it happens sporadically during fundraising cycles. During these periods, the IR team works closely with the partners to manage data rooms, prepare documents, and guide new investors through the due diligence process. It is a role that sits at the intersection of finance and marketing.
Crafting Content: Presentations and Storytelling
Another aspect of investor relations is crafting investor-facing materials and narratives. Whether that involves assembling quarterly update slides or designing an engaging presentation for prospective investors, IR Associates devote significant time to transforming complex data into clear, compelling information that makes sense to an external audience.
However, it is not just about producing slides; the narrative that accompanies the numbers is equally important. Effective IR communication tells the story of the fund and its portfolio companies in a way that resonates with investors. This often means highlighting success stories from portfolio companies to demonstrate how the fund creates value, or providing context on market trends to show how the fund’s strategy fits into the broader industry landscape.
Many venture capital funds go beyond sharing financial data by including “success stories and case studies” of portfolio achievements along with thoughtful market insights. This approach positions the firm as a trusted thought leader and humanises the numbers for investors. The result is a well-balanced mix of qualitative and quantitative content. For those who enjoy creating presentations and written updates, investor relations offers a uniquely creative dimension within the finance industry.
Two-Way Communication: Listening as Well as Informing
One of the core principles of Investor Relations is that communication must flow in both directions. While a big part of IR is about delivering clear, timely updates to investors, an equally important aspect is gathering feedback and insights from investors and relaying them back to the firm’s leadership team.
This two-way dialogue turns passive information sharing into a more dynamic relationship. For example, investors may share concerns about market trends, request deeper visibility into specific portfolio companies, or raise questions about the fund's strategy. A strong IR associate doesn’t just note these concerns; they distil the most relevant insights and communicate them to the partners and investment teams, helping shape how the firm positions itself and makes future decisions.
In some ways, this listening function makes IR an informal “pulse check” for the firm. It ensures that leadership stays connected to how the fund’s performance and messaging resonate with the people who financially support it. Over time, this openness builds trust: investors feel heard and valued, not just informed.
A quick caveat: while Investor Relations is most commonly associated with VC and private equity firms, I’ve also seen startups, especially those that have raised significant funding and have crowded captables , hire people in IR-type roles. These professionals help manage relationships with existing investors, handle updates, and ensure communication stays clear and consistent as the company grows. So, while this piece focuses mainly on IR within VC funds, it’s worth knowing there are opportunities on the startup side too.
So, How Do You Get In?
Now, all these responsibilities are exciting, but they beg the question: how do you land a job like this, especially as someone early in your career or looking to make a transition? What I’ve found is that there isn’t one single path. People enter VC investor relations from a variety of backgrounds.
Some come directly from related fields in finance. For instance, many IR professionals start out in big finance or consulting roles and then pivot. It’s common to hear about folks who began their careers at one of the Big Four accounting firms or in corporate finance, gained a chartered accountant qualification (ACA) or similar, and then moved into IR after a few years. That background makes sense because they bring strong analytical skills and an understanding of financial statements, plus client-facing experience.
Others get in via investment banking or advisory roles. An ideal profile could be someone who has done a few years in investment banking or on an M&A team, building up skills in financial modelling and client pitching, and then transitioned to an IR associate role at a private equity fund. The intensity of banking usually gives them a solid grasp of how deals work and how to communicate effectively with investors, which translates well to the IR job.
You also have people coming from a client relations or marketing communications background. For example, working in investor relations at a public company or in the client services team of an asset management firm can be excellent preparation for pivoting into VC IR.
The common thread is that whether you come through finance or communications, you develop a mix of analytical capability and communication finesse. And, of course, a passion for the startup ecosystem helps. Some enter IR after working at a startup or in a VC investment role, then moving sideways into an IR position because they probably enjoyed the investor-facing side of the business.
For entry-level folks (like recent graduates), the path is a bit less defined because relatively few firms hire fresh grads directly into IR roles. However, it can happen through analyst or rotational programmes at larger investment firms. Another idea is to start in a more general role at a VC or as a junior analyst and volunteer to help with investor reporting or marketing tasks. Basically, get your foot in the door and then specialise.
Education-wise, degrees in finance, economics, or business are common (one job posting I saw required at least a bachelor’s in a related field), but I’ve seen people with more varied backgrounds, such as a language degree paired with some finance experience. The key is demonstrating that you understand finance and can communicate well. Some certifications or courses can help with this.
What Makes an Ideal IR Hire in VC?
So, what does the ideal IR role in VC look like? To be honest, I don’t know for sure. However, from what I’ve seen, it’s someone who is a bit of a Swiss Army knife.
First, you need solid financial acumen. You don’t have to be an ex-investment banker, but you should be comfortable with numbers, basic accounting, and investment concepts. After all, you’ll be explaining fund performance and portfolio metrics to investors. Many job descriptions list a finance or accounting degree and some experience (often 1–3 years) as a baseline.
Next, and equally important, are communication and presentation skills. You want to be someone who can write clear emails or reports and also present confidently in person. Whether it’s speaking on a webinar to dozens of LPs or meeting one-on-one with a prospective investor, the IR role calls for poise and clarity.
Being detail-oriented and organised is another must. This came up in nearly every job description I’ve read: IR professionals handle a huge amount of information, from performance data to regulatory compliance details, and nothing can slip through the cracks. If you send an investor a report with errors, erm… You shouldn’t.
Juggling multiple priorities is also important. You might be coordinating the annual meeting while responding to an investor’s question about a press article, all while compiling materials for a fundraise. I mean, you’ve got this.
Professionalism and empathy matter. By professionalism, I mean representing the firm well in all communications. Since IR is often the investors’ main point of contact, you effectively become the face of the firm. Empathy helps you understand investors’ concerns and address them proactively. If an investor is worried about a market dip, a good IR associate will pick up on that and provide reassurance or more information.
Finally, in an increasingly global and dynamic VC environment, cultural awareness and language skills can be a bonus. Some funds have investors worldwide, so being adaptable in your communication style or being able to speak another language can set you apart. Since the tech ecosystem moves fast, showing that you’re adaptable and always learning is part of the ideal profile, too.
How to Prepare and Stand Out
- Build Your Financial Foundations: Make sure you’re comfortable with venture finance basics. Brush up on accounting so you understand fund financial statements and portfolio company KPIs. Learn how VC funds operate. For example, how carry and fund cycles work (I wrote a bit about that here). Take an online course or stay up-to-date on startup news and trends.
- Hone Your Communication Skills: Practice writing and presenting. Try summarising complex information in a concise way. For instance, take a dense startup update or industry report and write a one-page brief for a hypothetical investor. Improve your slide-making skills and get feedback from peers or mentors. A public speaking or presentation workshop can help, too.
- Learn from the Best: Pay attention to how successful funds handle investor relations. Some VC firms and industry groups host panels or webinars on LP relations, and these can be gold mines for learning. Whenever I read about a big VC fundraise, I look for clues about how they pitched to investors or any insights from their IR team.
- Network and Find Mentors: Like any VC career, networking is huge. Attend VC events or conferences (some focus specifically on investor relations in private markets). Building connections can help you hear about openings and get good advice. It also helps you get comfortable talking to the people you’ll interact with in the job.
- Be Proactive and Show Initiative: If you already work at a company, volunteer for anything investor-related. Maybe your startup needs someone to compile a monthly update — raise your hand. If you’re in a support role at a VC firm, ask to assist with the next annual meeting or quarterly report. These tasks give you real examples for interviews and show your enthusiasm.
Closing Thoughts
From what I’ve gathered and shared here, being an Investor Relations associate means committing to continuous learning and wearing many hats. One day you’re an analyst digging into numbers; the next you’re a storyteller crafting a narrative for a presentation; the day after, you’re an event host ensuring every investor feels welcome and valued.
For anyone considering this path, I hope these reflections help you feel more informed. It’s comforting to know you can come from many backgrounds and still find your way here if you build the right mix of knowledge and skills and keep that learner’s mindset.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you learned a thing or two. If you have any thoughts or if you’re on a similar journey, I’d love to hear from you.
