Hi all, I am considering a move into IR at a mid market PE firm and while the total comp is good at the associate level where I would be entering, I am unsure about future earnings potential if I am to go down this path. Does anyone have any insights into total comp for IR directors/partners at strongly performing funds?
(N.b. I have read the Dartmouth IR pay report but am looking for real people’s opinions)
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you might expect regarding future earnings potential in Investor Relations (IR) at mid-market private equity firms:
Associate Level: At the associate level, you've noted that the compensation is good. While specific numbers aren't provided in the context, it's implied that the starting point is competitive.
Director/Partner Level: As you move up the ladder to a director or partner level, the compensation can vary greatly depending on the success of the fund and your role in fundraising. A friend mentioned in the context moved to a mid-sized fund and helped grow it to over $1 or $2 billion, earning a nice base and a significant percentage of the capital raised, potentially clearing $500k/year during a fundraising year, plus carried interest.
Fund Performance: The performance of the fund can greatly affect IR compensation. For example, one individual experienced a significant bonus at a fund with strong returns, but faced a toxic environment and poor compensation at a struggling fund.
Firm Size and Growth: The size and growth phase of the firm can also impact IR compensation and workload. Established funds that are ambitious for growth may pay more for a competent junior IR team, but these roles can be harder to find.
Carried Interest: Carried interest can be a significant component of total compensation at the director or partner level, but this typically comes with the expectation of contributing to successful fundraising efforts.
Remember, these insights are based on anecdotal evidence from the WSO threads and should be taken as a general guide rather than a definitive answer. Real-world compensation can vary widely based on numerous factors, including individual performance, fund performance, firm size, and market conditions.
Sources: Thoughts on Investor Relations? A good or bad move?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/where-is-the-industry-going-for-young-professionals?customgpt=1, What’s the deal with Investor Relations?, Do PE IR guys get paid on par with Investment team?, Best Up-and-coming/MM PE funds
Bump, also interested but for MFs
Bump
bump
It’s like any other industry/career. If you get in early, you can make a fuckton of money.
In PE IR terms, this means securing LP’s for a young fund. Comp can be tied to performance in this case, and carry is more than a possibility.
Could you speak to the mega funds?
I have seen a wide dispersion in these types of roles. At some places, the roles are clearly distinct from the investment professionals with lower comp and other places it can be a partner track position with meaningful carry and even management committee responsibilities. Like most PE roles, hitching your wagon to a firm with a good track record and significant AUM growth is going to generally have the highest long-term upside. Btw, WLB can also vary widely. Some seem like pretty cushy roles and others have lean teams with long hours and lots of ad hoc responsibilities dealing with random LP requests. Also, during a fundraising period expect a ton of travel.
Could you speak to the mega funds?
Fuuuuuuuck that. No seriously IR sucks.
Even for mega funds like APO/BX/KKR/CG?
It doesn’t suck at all MF …. It’s not rainbows … but it’s much better than most jobs.. you won’t be deal team rich but you’ll def still be able to buy a nice life that’s for sure
From what I hear it varies a lot depending on how the investment team perceives the IR/sales role. Is the IR team respected and on an equal footing because they are the gateway to investors and helps run the fundraise? Or does the investment team think of themselves as superstars unable to imagine that their own strategy is not that special and LPs have a ton of choice? These are the extremes and your experience and comp will vary depending on where you are on this spectrum. My observation , in small teams it is easier to be an equal and unlike large platforms you won't have multiple investment teams telling you to prioritise their strategy.
From discussions with my network, IR can be one of the most compelling finance job in terms of money you can get for hours worked.
I know some people at European GPs clearing high 6 figures with a good chunk of carry while never working past certain hours, with protected weekends etc
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