From BCG Consultant to AI Founder: The Surprising Truth About How Consulting Prepares You for Entrepreneurship

Kevin Wu was a consultant at BCG and left to found an AI startup.

Kevin Wu, cofounder of Leaping AI, shares his journey from a computer science graduate to a consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and eventually to founding an AI startup. In this candid account, he reveals how his consulting experience both helped and hindered his transition to entrepreneurship.

The Path from Consulting to Startup Founder

Wu grew up in Germany and studied computer science. At 19, he cofounded his first startup as CTO, but it lacked founder-market fit and was discontinued quickly. Unsure of his career path, he turned to consulting as a way to enter the business world without a business degree. After intense preparation, including over 200 mock interviews, he joined BCG's Berlin office.

Consulting provided invaluable lessons: Wu learned business fundamentals, communication skills, and how to interact with high-level executives. He describes it as a "real-life MBA" that built his confidence and exposed him to diverse industries. The camaraderie and fast-paced environment were exhilarating, but after two years, the work became monotonous, focused on PowerPoint and Excel, leading to burnout.

How Consulting Prepared Him for Entrepreneurship

Wu credits consulting with giving him a solid foundation in business. He understands P&L statements, cost structures, and how to present himself to potential clients, including CEOs. His experience taught him leadership and soft skills, transforming him from a shy computer science grad into a confident leader capable of steering his startup.

Where Consulting Fell Short

Despite the benefits, consulting didn't fully prepare him for the realities of entrepreneurship. The risk-averse culture of consulting contrasts sharply with the high uncertainty of startups, where failure is a real possibility. In consulting, projects have clear goals set by clients, but as a founder, Wu had to forge his own path without a predefined roadmap.

Consulting also lacks exposure to tech networks and sales skills, which are crucial for entrepreneurship. Wu notes that most consultants don't engage in sales, whereas founders must actively acquire customers. Additionally, working in tech roles, such as product management or engineering, might better prepare one for creating innovative products.

Life as a Founder: More Work, More Fulfillment

As a founder of Leaping AI, which joined Y Combinator and raised $4.7 million in seed funding, Wu works even longer hours than in consulting, often without vacations. However, he finds it more enjoyable because he can shape his own destiny and doesn't have a boss. The autonomy and passion for his work make the grueling hours worthwhile, highlighting that while consulting may not reveal one's true passion, entrepreneurship allows for self-directed innovation and growth.