Jan 28, 2026

Deal Flow

If you're at a direct lender, how many live deals are you typically actively working on at once? Just curious how my firm compares because I'm on 7 total deals right now, 4 of which are active (doing DD / working on a memo vs waiting to hear back on process / if we won). Granted 7 is high for me but interested to see how others comp

If you respond, I'd love to hear the type of firm / strategy to get an idea if its a flow shop vs a more structured solution

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, deal flow and the number of live deals a direct lender works on can vary significantly depending on the type of firm and strategy. For example:

  1. High Deal Flow Shops: At mid-size and large banks, the deal flow can be intense, with professionals often looking at one or two new deals daily. This exposure helps build experience across various product types and geographies.

  2. Structured Solutions or Boutique Firms: These firms may focus on more creative or tailored financing structures, such as pref equity or mezzanine pieces. The number of active deals might be lower, but the complexity and depth of work on each deal are higher.

  3. Your Situation: Being on 7 total deals, with 4 active, is on the higher side but not unheard of, especially in firms with robust deal flow. It suggests you're likely at a firm with a strong pipeline or a flow shop.

If you'd like a more specific comparison, it would help to know whether your firm leans towards structured solutions or operates more as a flow shop.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/lets-talk-about-the-pros-and-cons-of-our-gigs-in-re-finance?customgpt=1, This is what a group with poor deal-flow is like, Direct Lending, what now?, Corp Dev / Strategy Role - No Deal Flow?, Best direct lending shops in Asia

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