KCG vs small startup hedgefund (founder is from Two Sigma)?

I received offers from KCG (algorithmic trader) and a small hedgefund called Nine Chapters Capital in Short Hills, NJ (research/dev). KCG's earnings seem pretty bleak and they doesn't seem to be making much money. I don't know if they can get back on track because they posted a loss last quarter which seems pretty extreme. In general I would say it wouldn't be that bad working at a struggling company but KCG seems too large to be able to turn the momentum around anytime soon.

The small hedgefund is founded by an ex-Two Sigma guy and they have a billion dollars AUM and seem to be following the Two Sigma model of trading (i.e. longer-term stat arb strategies). They're anticipating to grow in the next few years and are a firm of 20 ppl right now. The main drawback is that they're in NJ (about 45 minutes away from Manhattan). That and I have more doubts that I'll be good at that job than the job at KCG.

What do you think?

 

Interesting decision, congrats on the offers. I'm partial to the Nine Chapters offer, since I would really excited by the chance to build a fund with medium-size assets and work with a small team. You'll probably develop a lot more skills and be asked to do a lot more. Plus, they'll probably be pretty concerned with your development. The KCG role seems a bit dull.

Also, living in Manhattan is pretty overrated in my opinion. Much better to spend weekdays in a place with fewer distractions, then travel to the city on weekends.

 

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