Venture Consulting Firm Salaries and How to Transfer – Why Are They Said to Be a Bad Idea?

“Why are venture consulting firms said to be a bad idea?” “How much do venture consulting firms pay?” Do you have these questions?

This article addresses those questions in the following order.

• Differences between venture consulting firms and major consulting firms
• Advantages and disadvantages of working at a venture consulting firm
• Characteristics of people suited and unsuited for venture consulting firms
• Examples of venture consulting firms
• How to successfully transfer to a venture consulting firm

This article is useful for anyone interested in transferring to a venture consulting firm. Please read to the end.

What Is a Venture Consulting Firm?

Before examining venture consulting firms, let’s first confirm the definition of “venture.” According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry document “Venture Expert Meeting,” the definition of venture is as follows.

Venture is a concept that encompasses not only “starting a new business” but also the bold challenge of existing companies venturing into new businesses.

Based on this definition, venture consulting firms can be described as consulting firms that are newly established or in a growth stage.

Venture consulting firms are often established by consultants who were active at major consulting firms and have become independent.

They are sometimes called boutique consulting firms, but neither term has a clear definition. Both are often used to refer to small-scale consulting firms, but venture tends to imply an even smaller size or a firm that has just launched.

Consulnext.jp published a chaos map of boutique consulting firms in 2025. If you want to compare the characteristics of each company, please visit the link below.

Differences Between Venture Consulting Firms and Major Consulting Firms

Here we introduce the differences between venture consulting firms and major consulting firms.

Venture Characteristics	Major Firm Characteristics
One person handles a project Many subcontracted projects Many small and medium enterprise projects Many highly skilled members	Teams handle projects Handle a wide variety of projects Many large enterprise projects Many new graduate hires

Characteristics of Venture Consulting Firms

Here we introduce the characteristics of venture consulting firms.

One Person May Handle an Entire Project

A characteristic of venture consulting firms is that one person often handles an entire project.

Compared to large companies with many employees, venture companies often operate with a small, elite team.

As a result, individual discretion inevitably becomes greater, and projects are basically handled by one person. In other words, each employee is an immediate asset with high business skills.

Many Subcontracted Projects

Having many subcontracted projects is also a characteristic of venture consulting firms.

Unlike major consulting firms, venture consulting firms with low name recognition do not often receive direct requests from clients.

When acquiring projects, they receive requests from companies they have relationships with, or use consulting-related agents.

When a consultant becomes independent from a major firm, they often leverage connections such as clients from before their independence to acquire projects.

Many Small and Medium Enterprise Projects

Venture consulting firms often take on projects from small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Large companies tend to use major consulting firms that have high recognition and credibility. They often implement large-scale projects, and overall costs tend to be high.

On the other hand, SMEs often choose venture consulting firms due to project scale and cost considerations.

Many Highly Skilled Members

Venture consulting firms often have highly skilled members.

Individual skill is required to advance projects with a small, elite team. As a result, many members who have gained experience at major consulting firms are employed.

In some cases, members who have gained experience at manufacturers or IT companies are also employed, providing services that leverage their industry expertise.

Characteristics of Major Consulting Firms

Here we introduce the characteristics of major consulting firms.

Teams Handle Projects

In contrast to venture consulting firms where one person often handles a project, major consulting firms handle projects as a team.

Since they often handle large-scale projects, they advance projects together with members numbering in the dozens.

Specifically, teams are often composed of members such as managers, consultants, senior consultants, and analysts.

Opportunities to Handle a Wide Variety of Projects

A characteristic of major consulting firms is the opportunity to handle a wide variety of projects.

In the case of venture consulting firms, they often provide services focused on specific areas leveraging their expertise.

However, major consulting firms not only have various departments but also deal with client companies across a wide range of industries.

Many Large Enterprise Projects

Major consulting firms basically handle projects from large enterprises.

Large companies tend to choose service providers based not only on cost but also on reliability, name recognition, and past relationships. Choosing a provider based on cost alone can result in not getting the expected results or a consistent level of service.

By using established major consulting firms, they can receive support based on experience supporting companies in the same industry, with a higher level of knowledge and know-how.

Many New Graduate Hires

Major consulting firms have many new graduate hires.

While venture consulting firms, which require immediate contribution, often hire experienced mid-career professionals, major consulting firms focus not only on mid-career hiring but also on developing new talent.

New employees are basically involved in projects as assistants to senior employees.

Advantages of Working at a Venture Consulting Firm

There are five advantages to working at a venture consulting firm.

Greater Individual Discretion

Venture consulting firms, being small in scale, have the characteristic of greater individual discretion.

In an environment with greater discretion, it is possible to rapidly improve various skills such as judgment, accountability, and task management.

For those who want to “be involved in various tasks” or “work as the main driver,” a venture consulting firm may be the ideal environment.

Easier to Develop Skills

An advantage of venture consulting firms is that skill development is easier.

Of course, major consulting firms also have well-developed education and training systems, making them skill-development-friendly environments.

However, ventures are more conducive to developing practical skills. Through actual consulting experience, you can improve all kinds of skills such as communication skills, logical thinking, and customer handling ability.

Easier to Transfer or Become Independent

By experiencing large-scale projects at major consulting firms, you can develop skills and transfer or become independent.

However, even at venture consulting firms, it is easy to feel the sense of growing yourself and the company, making it suitable for those considering future independence.

Furthermore, since there are many opportunities to be involved in projects as an immediate asset from the time of joining, and self-growth can be achieved quickly, it is also a highly advantageous environment for those considering an early career transfer or independence.

Closer to Management

At a small-scale venture consulting firm, there is a high possibility of being close to management.

By having direct discussions with and receiving feedback from management, you can learn to view things from a management perspective.

Furthermore, in the case of venture consulting firms that often handle SME projects, the counterpart is often a business owner, allowing you to be involved in the resolution of management issues.

Stronger Sense of Contribution to Clients

Another advantage of venture consulting firms is the strong sense of contributing to clients.

In the case of venture consulting firms that often deal with SMEs, they are close to clients and build relationships of trust while providing consulting.

In such an environment, there are many scenes where clients directly express gratitude, making it easy to feel that you are helping people.

Disadvantages of Working at a Venture Consulting Firm / Why They Are Said to Be a Bad Idea

On the internet and elsewhere, you may come across opinions saying “venture consulting firms are a bad idea.” So why are such opinions seen?

Heavy Workload

A disadvantage of working at a venture consulting firm is the heavy workload.

Since one person often handles an entire project, it is necessary to do everything from hearings and research, data analysis, strategy planning, measure implementation, and evaluation all by oneself.

Inevitably, the workload per person increases, and it may be difficult to achieve a work-life balance.

There are many cases of working long hours or on days off to accommodate clients, and many people find it physically and mentally exhausting.

Potentially Lower Salary

Working at a venture consulting firm does not necessarily guarantee a high income.

Major consulting firms handle many large-scale projects, and employees’ salaries tend to be stable.

However, the income of employees at venture consulting firms is more directly affected by performance.

If things go well, income may increase, but if they don’t, income may decrease accordingly.

Risk of Business Deterioration

The risk of business deterioration is also one of the disadvantages of venture consulting firms.

While major consulting firms have stable management, venture consulting firms are more susceptible to external and internal factors, and business conditions are not stable.

If business deterioration becomes serious, there is not only the risk of bankruptcy, but it is also difficult to provide in-house education and employee benefits, posing risks in terms of human resource management as well.

Characteristics of People Suited for Venture Consulting Firms

So, what kind of people are suited for venture consulting firms?

Has an Entrepreneurial Spirit

People who are not afraid of risk or failure and have an entrepreneurial spirit may be suited for venture consulting firms.

In a venture company, without being bound by existing methods or manuals, you must always search for new ways to grow the business. You also need to constantly grow yourself, and high motivation is required.

Those who “are afraid of failure” or “seek stability rather than risk” may find it difficult to fit into the atmosphere of a venture company.

Wants a Job with Greater Discretion

A venture consulting firm is recommended for those who want a job with greater discretion.

In major consulting firms, projects are handled by teams, so individual discretion is smaller. Also, even if you contribute as the main driver of a team, it tends to be evaluated as a whole, making it difficult for individuals to be evaluated.

However, at venture consulting firms, one person often handles a project, and you can decide the direction of the project at your own discretion. In addition, it can be said to be an environment where individuals are more easily evaluated.

Wants to Be Involved in Company Management

By working at a venture consulting firm, there is a possibility of being involved in company management.

In venture consulting firms that often deal with SMEs, the business owner themselves often serves as the counterpart (the client’s representative).

In that case, you can advance the project while having discussions with the business owner, allowing you to be involved in responsible work such as company management.

Characteristics of People Not Suited for Venture Consulting Firms

Here we introduce the characteristics of people not suited for venture consulting firms.

Seeks Stability

Those who prefer stability may find venture consulting firms unsuitable.

Compared to major firms, ventures are less stable in management and always carry risk. If you feel anxious in such an environment or want to build a long-term career at a specific company, a major consulting firm may be more suitable.

Of course, even among ventures, there are companies with fast growth and stable management, so you should also conduct a safety analysis of the company.

Not Good at Acting or Deciding Alone

Those who are not good at making judgments or acting alone are not suited for venture consulting firms.

As explained earlier, projects at ventures are often handled by one person. Therefore, many decisions need to be made independently.

Those who are indecisive and lack resolve, or those who tend to perform better in a team may be more suited for a major consulting firm.

Wants Sufficient Education and Training

If you want sufficient education and training, you should choose a major consulting firm over a venture consulting firm.

Ventures require immediate contribution, and people with consulting experience or specialized knowledge in a specific area are sought after.

On the other hand, major firms that also focus on new graduate hiring have well-developed education and training systems. Ventures may not have such systems in place, requiring a proactive attitude toward self-learning.

Wants a High-Profile Job

Those who care about name recognition and status cannot be recommended for venture consulting firms.

Well-known major consulting firms such as Accenture, Deloitte Tohmatsu, and Boston Consulting Group tend to enjoy high social credibility.

However, for ventures with low name recognition, it is difficult to gain social status.

However, depending on the work style, company atmosphere, and areas of expertise, some people may be more suited to a venture. It is recommended that you clarify your own priorities.

Examples of Venture Consulting Firms

Here we introduce examples of venture consulting firms.

BayCurrent Consulting, Inc.

BayCurrent Consulting, Inc. is a comprehensive consulting firm headquartered in Tokyo, established in 2014 (founded in 1998).

Among venture consulting firms, it has a notably high growth rate, with 4,761 employees as of April 2024 and net sales of 93.9 billion yen (fiscal year ending February 2024).

It has adopted a “one pool system” where all consulting employees belong to a single department, which is characterized by involvement in a wide range of services and industries.

Rally Growth Co., Ltd.

Rally Growth Co., Ltd. is a venture consulting firm established in July 2021.

It was founded by Shinnosuke Sonoda, who has a background as a systems engineer. With the vision of “A world where valuable companies can enjoy environmental change,” it aims to positively challenge various changes.

Its services specialize in the areas of DX promotion and new business development, operating its business for the middle market.

Sigmaxyz Inc.

Sigmaxyz Inc. is a venture consulting firm established in October 2021 and a subsidiary of Sigmaxyz Holdings, Inc. (business started in 2008).

It provides consulting services centered on digital transformation support, offering services to a wide range of industries.

It has adopted a performance-based compensation system, making it an environment where individual ability is easily evaluated.

Future Architect, Inc.

Future Architect, Inc., established in 2016, is a venture consulting firm under the umbrella of Future Corporation.

Its mission is to provide IT innovation using the latest technology and create new value for clients.

With high technical capability and neutrality as its strengths, it primarily provides services to the manufacturing, distribution, service, and financial industries.

Dream Incubator Inc.

Dream Incubator Inc. is a venture consulting firm established in 2000 by management consultant Koichi Hori.

Mr. Hori served as the Japan representative of Boston Consulting Group from 1989 to 2000 and has also published books such as “What Is Consulting?”

The company’s main business is “Business Producing,” providing a variety of services including consulting services for large corporations and investments in domestic and overseas venture companies.

Power Solutions Ltd.

Power Solutions Ltd. is a venture consulting firm established in January 2002.

It provides a range of services including business consulting, system integration, financial system development (reporting, SaaS consulting, SaaS solution implementation, operational support, contract development and operational maintenance of systems).

It focuses on system development in the growing field of asset management and has a track record of transactions with major companies.

How to Transfer to a Venture Consulting Firm

Here we introduce how to transfer to a venture consulting firm.

Identify Your Strengths and Selling Points

If you are considering transferring to a venture consulting firm, clarify your strengths and selling points.

Especially for those without consulting experience, choosing a company where you can leverage your past career may increase your chances of a successful transfer.

Furthermore, the skills required of a consultant vary, including communication skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability.

Be prepared to communicate which of your strengths can be applied to consulting work.

Choose a Job That Suits You

If you are considering transferring to a venture consulting firm, it is important to consider whether it is actually right for you.

Even among venture consulting firms, the characteristics, strengths, and work styles vary greatly by company. Conduct thorough company research and choose a job that suits you.

Use a Transfer Agent

A transfer agent is a service where a career advisor introduces you to job openings that match your profile.

By using a transfer agent, you can search for job information more efficiently. There are also transfer agents that specialize in the consulting industry, and since the characteristics vary greatly by service, it is important to choose one that suits you.

It is also recommended to conduct a self-analysis so that you can communicate your preferences to the career advisor during the interview.

“Consulnext.jp” is a transfer agent specializing in transfers to mid-sized and small consulting companies. Since you can receive interview preparation and resume review for free, please use it if you are aiming to transfer to a venture consulting firm.

Use Job Listing Sites

A job listing site is a platform that posts job information from various companies.

By using job listing sites, you can efficiently select job openings that suit you based on conditions such as salary, location, and work style.

If you are considering transferring to a venture consulting firm, check whether there are many consulting-related job openings and venture company listings.

Summary

In this article, we explained the differences between venture consulting firms and major consulting firms, the advantages and disadvantages of working at a venture consulting firm, examples of companies, and how to successfully transfer.

Venture consulting firms, where each individual has great discretion, are suited for those who have a high spirit of challenge and want to take on responsible work.

To successfully transfer to a venture consulting firm, it is important to reconfirm your strengths and selling points, and to effectively utilize services such as transfer agents and job listing sites.

Consulnext.jp publishes job information specializing in consulting work. If you are considering a transfer to a consultant position, a consulting firm, or the consulting industry, please feel free to consult with us.