Most conversations around startups and venture capital focus on funding, valuations, and success stories. Very few talk about how people actually build careers in this space, how difficult it is to enter, and what really drives decisions behind the scenes.

In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Sayanee Bhowmik, a startup mentor and former venture capitalist, shares her journey from building startups to entering the world of venture capital. From early entrepreneurial curiosity to working closely with founders and investors, she breaks down how careers in VC actually evolve.

The conversation explores why venture capital is a closed ecosystem, how problem-solving and curiosity shape career paths, and what it really takes to stay relevant in a market driven by AI, shifting economies, and increasing competition.