StarMed Venture Camp Interview Insights: Top 10 Questions Asked by Interviewers

On the fourth floor of Jihai Building on Zhongguancun Entrepreneurship Street, interviewers were already waiting in the conference room of Legend Star for the arrival of the first candidate for the Xingdong Xiangyi Hui Venture Capital Camp.

Seizing the opportunity, our editor decided to go behind the scenes of the interviews to give you an exclusive, in-depth look at the entire venture capital camp interview process. (Applause here.)

After extensive undercover work, the editor has summarized what interviewers most want to know.

Just two words: People & Matters

Mr. Zhang Ruiqi from Legend Star stated that during the interview process, the primary focus is on assessing the candidate’s personal qualities and their potential to successfully deliver projects.

Thus, the first sentence every interviewee heard was,Please briefly introduce yourself and your project.

The following conclusions can generally be drawn from this question:

1. Are you capable of undertaking this project?

By reviewing a candidate’s background—including professional experience and even personality traits—one can assess their fit for an entrepreneurial venture. Relevant work experience and in-depth reflections indicate that the candidate has accumulated valuable insights pertinent to the project, thereby increasing its likelihood of success.

Additionally, during the candidate’s presentation, the interviewer seeks to understand their personality and thinking style—for instance, whether they are open or closed-minded, and whether their thinking is rigorous or divergent. The goal is not to judge which personality type or thinking style is inherently better, but rather to assess whether it aligns with the requirements of their entrepreneurial venture.

2. Do you actually know what you are doing?

Beyond assessing the fit between the candidate and their startup venture, interviewers place significant emphasis on whether the candidate has a clear understanding of the fundamental nature of their project. This includes identifying the core target users, defining the specific problems or needs the project addresses for these users, analyzing the current state of the industry sector, and articulating the project’s competitive advantages over rivals. Naturally, investors prefer ventures that tackle substantial, large-scale problems or demands, as this indicates the potential to become a major market player (“an elephant”), rather than remaining merely a small, niche, and aesthetically pleasing business (“small and beautiful”) even if successful.

3. Most importantly, are you reliable?

If the interviewer perceives that the candidate has clear thinking regarding their own affairs, they will further evaluate the candidate’s ability to take action. What interviewers fear most are mere dreamers—individuals who may be strong in critical thinking but lack execution capabilities; such candidates are also unacceptable.

In light of the three points above, the editor has compiled the ten most frequently asked interview questions:

1. Please introduce your personal experiences before starting your own business.

Difficulty Level: ★★★★★

Analysis: This question primarily assesses whether the candidate has engaged in work related to existing projects and possesses relevant experience. Candidates should answer with caution.

2. Please conduct an analysis of competing products on the market.

Difficulty Level: ★★★★☆

Analysis: This question primarily assesses the candidate’s understanding of competing products, as well as their clarity regarding the strengths, weaknesses, and distinctive features of their own product.

3. What is the market positioning of the product?

Difficulty Level: ★★★★★

Analysis: This question primarily assesses the candidate’s understanding of the core essence of their product. Therefore, it is imperative to provide a clear and thorough explanation in your response.

4. How does the product attract users?

Difficulty Level: ★★★☆

Analysis: This question primarily tests what, exactly? Even the editor isn’t sure. But if there’s a compelling way to engage users, it will certainly earn extra points!

5. Please briefly describe the product's development process and its market launch date.

Difficulty Level: ★★★

Solution Analysis: This question primarily assesses the candidate's initiative.

6. How are the sales? (For smart hardware products)

Difficulty Level: ★★☆

Analysis: This question continues to assess execution capability. While higher sales volume is preferable, a lower figure is also acceptable provided that the reasons for the decline are clearly explained.

7. What is the user base size? What are the components of the user base? (For online products such as apps, websites, and WeChat)

Difficulty Level: ★★☆

Solution Analysis: Same as above.

8. What is the cost of the product? What components make up the cost?

Difficulty Level: ☆

Problem-Solving Analysis: Just tell the truth.

9. What is the working principle of the product? Does it hold any patent certificates or have obtained national certification?

Difficulty Level: ☆

Solution Analysis: This question can be answered objectively. Additionally, regardless of whether the answer is yes or no, please provide an explanation for your reasoning.

10. Please introduce the company's equity structure and financing status.

Difficulty Level: ☆

**Problem-Solving Analysis:** Straightforward and to the point; this question presents no difficulty whatsoever.

Once you have prepared answers to these ten questions, you can confidently face your interviewer!

After clearing numerous hurdles, what interview candidates anticipate most is nothing more than a simple

The interviewer also conveyed his expectations for the VCBeat Medical Innovation Investment Camp through the editor: “We hope that students will ultimately become a significant force within the internet healthcare ecosystem.”

We believe that the participants of our first Venture Capital Camp cohort are undoubtedly the best! See the wall below? ↓

This is the Star Enterprise Showcase Wall of Legend Star, featuring nearly 100 portfolio companies invested by Legend Star. Gazing at the wall adorned with honors and accolades, we can’t help but envision the day when our students’ projects will also join the ranks of these Star Enterprises!

All set!

Last but not least, the editor would like to remind everyone:

The VCBeat Medical Innovation Investment Camp is about to begin!

On Friday, October 23, at 8:40 a.m., the first session of the Venture Capital Bootcamp will officially commence in the Legend Star Training Classroom. Please be sure to arrive on time!