Jan 08, 2025

Apollo Origination Platforms

Does anyone have any insight on what it's like to work at one of Apollo's origination platforms (e.g. Atlas SP, Redding Ridge, PK AirFinance, MidCap, Apterra)? Interested in how integrated they are with Apollo and how comp / culture / exits compare with actually working at Apollo.

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, Apollo's origination platforms like Atlas SP, Redding Ridge, PK AirFinance, MidCap, and Apterra are generally considered distinct from the core Apollo experience. While they are part of the broader Apollo ecosystem, they often operate with a more specialized focus, such as structured products, aviation finance, or middle-market lending.

In terms of integration, these platforms are typically aligned with Apollo's overall strategy but may have their own operational independence. The culture and work-life balance at these platforms can vary significantly compared to Apollo's core PE or credit teams, which are known for their intense work environment and high turnover.

Compensation at these platforms might not match the top-tier pay of Apollo's main teams, but it could still be competitive within their respective niches. Exit opportunities may also differ, as the skill sets developed in these platforms are more specialized and may not align directly with traditional PE or HF roles. However, the Apollo brand can still carry weight in the market.

For a more detailed perspective, networking with current or former employees of these platforms would provide the most accurate insights.

Sources: Apollo is revamping recruiting and softening its culture. Here's a look., Is Apollo that bad?, More negative press on Apollo, Should I take a job with Apollo?, Top firms for distressed investing. Solving for brand and deal experience more than ability to growth within the organization.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

not sure what you mean by “origination platforms”. it’s the same as any other fund. for instance Blackstone has a private credit group doing mostly 1L/Uni paper for sponsor backed MM companies. they have their own originators and their own investment committee, own underwriters etc. and this is a direct parallel to MidCap. the subsidiaries you mentioned are all insanely different. it’s not like they have coverage teams working at MidCap or Atlas who send work to Apollo.

 

Apollo has 16 standalone businesses that it refers to as "origination platforms". These platforms originate private credit opportunities (with a focus on asset-backed finance) that are primarily funneled to Athene and Apollo's retirement services balance sheet. This origination strategy provides Apollo with proprietary deal flow and is an important driver of fee-related earnings.

Here's a detailed presentation they put together with an overview of their origination platform strategy: https://ir.apollo.com/news-events/platform-origination-deep-dive-2023

I'm not sure if they source deals for Apollo's traditional funds or if it's only for Athene and other insurance / retirement clients. Given the standalone nature, I'm curious how compensation and culture compares to working at Apollo. Seems like it's very important to the firm's growth, but unclear if the compensation is significantly lower because they're outside of Apollo.

 
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