I've talked to dozens of VCs about what makes a tech operator stand out as a candidate. Here's the real playbook — not the LinkedIn fluff.

1. Deal flow, not deal memos

Everyone writes practice memos. Almost nobody sources real deals. If you can walk into a partner meeting with a warm intro to a founder they haven't seen yet, you're already more valuable than most first-year associates.

Start by mapping your network. Every founder friend, every ex-colleague building something — that's your pipeline.

2. Thesis > credentials

"I worked at Google" doesn't differentiate you. "I have a specific view on why vertical AI in healthcare will create 3 billion-dollar companies in the next 5 years, and here's the evidence" — that's a conversation starter.

Pick a sector you know deeply from operating in it. Write about it. Publicly. Consistently.

3. Platform value from day one

The best operator-turned-VCs aren't just check-writers. They're the person portfolio founders call when they need to hire their first VP Eng, or debug their pricing model, or prep for a board meeting.

Think about what you're world-class at operationally. That's your edge.

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I break down VC deals, fundraising mechanics, and career transition strategy every week at Cap Table Weekly. If you're a tech operator thinking about VC — this is your playbook.