IVCA Feature: Former IVCA Scholar Andrea Peterson, Now Associate at Incline Equity Partners

One of the finest commitments to creating a space for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Venture Capital and Private Equity industries is the IVCA Scholar Program. The IVCA Scholarship provides college students a very rare opportunity to be placed with a Venture Capital or Private Equity firm for ten weeks.

In addition, Scholars participate in informational and training sessions at a variety of investment firms and at professional service providers that partner with Venture Capital and Private Equity investors including accounting, investment banking, valuation, legal, consulting and more. The goal of this valued IVCA program is to create inclusive industries with more gender, racial and ethnic diversity.

In the fourth of the 2024 series of articles regarding the program is former IVCA Scholar Andrea Peterson, who recently became Associate at Incline Equity Partners in New York City. She participated in the IVCA Scholar program in 2020 with ParkerGale, and later participated as a presenter at the 2023 program onboarding sessions. The IVCA interviewed Andrea Peterson about her experiences in the program.

IVCA: What was your undergrad/grad school background, and how did you get the opportunity to become an IVCA Scholar?

Andrea Peterson: I studied Finance at Indiana University and first learned of the IVCA Scholar Program through the Kelley School of Business Career Services Center. As a sophomore, I wanted to gain real-world investing experience and was excited to apply to the program.

IVCA: How did your sponsor firm set up the training situation for you, and what aspects of those training sessions were most beneficial for you regarding your interest in the industry?

Peterson: While at ParkerGale, I had the opportunity to work closely with both the operations and deal teams. This exposure allowed me to engage in industry research, addressable market analysis, and go-to-market strategies, as well as the evaluation of information memorandums and due diligence processes. Touring the other sponsor firms and learning various investment strategies was also beneficial in helping me realize my specific investing interests.

IVCA: Beyond training in numbers and procedures, what did you learn about the day-to-day decision-making that has proved valuable as your career has moved on?

Peterson: One of the most valuable skills I gained from ParkerGale was the ability to think like an investor. Throughout the program, I assessed different business models against ParkerGale’s investment criteria which is a practice that continues in my everyday decision making on the buy-side.

IVCA: In the journey of your career, how important was the IVCA Scholar program in both introducing you to what you were going pursue and getting into the nuts and bolts of the industry?

Peterson: The IVCA Scholar program played a pivotal role in my life as my experiences as a scholar directly impacted my full-time career decisions. The mentorship I received from program alumni, sponsor firms, and the ParkerGale team proved invaluable, providing guidance and support that extended well beyond the program. Thanks to the IVCA Scholar Program, I pursued a career in alternative investments where I am now an Associate at Incline Equity Partners.

IVCA: Since you recently participated as a presenter, what would you recommend to other up-and-coming undergrads the value of the Scholars program if they have an interest in the Venture Capital or Private Equity industry?

Peterson: The IVCA Scholar program offers students a remarkable chance to engage with the vibrant Venture Capital and Private Equity space in Chicago, alongside some of the industry’s most inspiring professionals. I recommend this program to anyone eager to gain a deeper understanding of alternative investments and interest in unmatched professional mentorship.

For more information about the IVCA Scholar program, click here. For more on Incline Equity Partners, click https://inclineequity.com/