Joining a Startup HF out of college?
Want to get a better gauge on the potential outcomes and risk/reward here. The fund was launched by a relatively young guy who had analyst and PM roles at very large funds you'd all know. Focus is on tech/consumer, and has raised around 500m in ~3 yrs.
Obviously the career risk here is high. If the fund blows up, I'm out of a job -- which is concerning since it'll be my first out of college. But how likely/feasible would it be to get a role at another HF or PE firm if this were to happen in, say 1-3 years?
Also, how much "training" can I expect to get? Obviously depends on the CIO/team (has only one other IP) but would love a general estimate here. I know I want to go into investing as a career, but am getting signs that I may not get a return at my PE internship this summer, so I'm curious about this sort of opportunity. Thanks!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights on joining a startup hedge fund (HF) right out of college:
Potential Outcomes and Risk/Reward:
Career Risk:
Feasibility of Getting Another Role:
Training and Development:
Additional Considerations:
Conclusion:
Joining a startup HF can be a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. It offers the potential for significant learning and growth but comes with the risk of job instability. If the fund fails, transitioning to another HF or PE firm is feasible but will depend on your network and the experience you gain. Consider the quality of the AUM and the track record of the fund before making a decision.
For more detailed discussions and personal experiences, you might find the following threads helpful: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/hedge-fund/hf-analyst-the-things-…</a">HF Analyst: The Things I Know For Sure - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/hedge-fund/hf-analyst-the-things-…</a">Q&A: HF Analyst @ $5bn+ Fund - Breaking In and Transition to Risk-Taking Role
Good luck with your decision!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/going-from-mm-investment-bank-to-mega-fund?customgpt=1, Ho-Hum to Hedge Fund, Q&A: HF Analyst @ $5bn+ Fund - Breaking In and Transition to Risk-Taking Role, elite M&A -> elite HF -> failed startup founder -> decent HF?, HF Analyst: The Things I Know For Sure
I joined a startup fund from school, so I can comment based on my experience. 1) make sure the guy has a good track record as a PM and can teach you to be a good investor 2) Are there other members on the team, and can you gauge how supportive the team/PM is? 3) Expect little to no formal training, so you will have to come up to speed on your own 4) Make sure they don't skimp on the pay (especially bonus) just because you are a junior analyst with no banking background - quite a few small startup funds try to do this 5) If the fund fails do you expect him to make you a part of his future plans?
I don't regret joining a fund out of school. I learned a lot as an investor and got first-hand exposure (and lead) to some complex/interesting investments that I otherwise wouldn't have gotten for at least 2-4 years had I gone the banking+PE route. If you want to exit, there will be some funds that want your typical 2+2 background and won't look at you, but a lot of funds (and MMs) should consider your background. I didn't have many HHs inbounds initially, but once I made an active effort to connect with HHs, I haven't had any issues with inbounds/processes. The downsides for me were no formal training, lack of a brand name/banking background (but I had a well-known PM), and no analyst class like in banking, so not too many people my age to be friends with at work.
It is all relative. This could be an awesome opportunity or a terrible one depending on what your other options are. Do you have a BB or MF analyst position lined up that you would be forgoing or is your other option a Deloitte consulting gig? If you want to be an investor, go work for an investor and get some real world experience, even if it doesn't come with a brand name. If you want to do private markets, this probably isn't a good role for you as it will have zero brand value and is likely to blow up.
Also, as other people mentioned above, you are essentially betting on the PM. He needs to be a very good investor and should be willing to invest in you through training, research resources and comp. Is he a cheapskate that won't spring for a $20k BBG terminal for you? He will probably take this same mentality when it comes to bonus season as everything he pays you comes out of his pocket. Does he do things like complain about how much good CEOs get paid at public companies? This would indicate he doesnt understand the value of paying high performers. Has he mentored people in the past? Where did they end up? All of these things are hard to judge but are very important. At the end of the day, you will be responsible for driving your own learning process which will likely be the biggest value you receive from a job like this. Unfortunately, most guys blow up funds like this and out of the ones that succeed, most are too short-sighted to be fair when it comes to compensation. This stacks the deck against you but you can still come out a winner if you build a skillset in the public markets that you can use at a better firm in the future. If you get good at this job, someone will hire you.
When considering any new position, ideally you should be paid well, learning a lot and have a lot of upward career mobility. You may only find one of these 3 based on your opportunity set early on in your career but you should always be working to find a seat with at least 2 of them, ideally all three.
Pariatur dicta odit pariatur non omnis. Numquam reprehenderit mollitia labore. Incidunt ut doloremque veritatis est fugiat cupiditate. Pariatur praesentium sit eum. Non dignissimos qui delectus aut.
Rem consectetur temporibus odit et ad. Quia itaque in sit. Et sunt eligendi quia saepe ea quo quae.
Soluta quidem sit rerum unde quam est. Quidem unde laborum consectetur consequatur. Minus corrupti eaque deleniti.
Cum aut aut quo suscipit voluptas quis. Quia perspiciatis provident unde at eius in. Dolorem voluptatem sequi maxime. Adipisci sed mollitia et omnis impedit. At accusantium neque corrupti aut eum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...