‘During a summer internship at Cowin Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) in emerging markets, I gained hands-on experience in startup pitching, pre-IPO investments, and deal execution, notably contributing to a CNY 100 million investment in a cross-border e-commerce company valued at CNY 1.8 billion.

Technical Skills: I honed advanced financial modeling, valuation, and data analysis skills. I mastered multi-sheet Excel models, linking financial statements and conducting sensitivity analyses, such as assessing tariff impacts on the e-commerce firm’s revenue. Valuation techniques included Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and Comparable Company Analysis, using tools like Wind terminal to benchmark valuations. I also learned to clean and analyze datasets, extracting trends like return rates and cash conversion ratios, transforming raw data into actionable insights for investment decisions.

Soft Skills: Effective communication was critical, as I simplified complex ideas in investment memos and presentations for diverse audiences. I developed adaptability by managing multiple projects under tight deadlines, such as market research and financial updates, and enhanced problem-solving by addressing challenges like modeling convertible notes. Observing negotiations taught me stakeholder management, emphasizing mutual benefits and active listening to build trust with founders.

Investment Analysis: I contributed to the valuation and risk assessment of the e-commerce target firm. The valuation combined DCF, based on strong revenue growth and margins, with market comps, benchmarking against peers like Anker Innovations. Risks included regulatory challenges, intense competition, supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions, such as U.S.-China trade disputes. Mitigation strategies, like forex hedging and compliance, were emphasized to ensure the firm’s IPO readiness.

The GLEF program provided a strong foundation, with courses like FINA3070 enhancing my valuation knowledge and CV guidance boosting my application.

This internship bridged theoretical finance with practical application, equipping me with a robust skill set for a career in venture capital.’