Top SM HF Cultures

I am incoming analyst at a MF PE firm and am strongly considering recruiting for a single manager hedge fund firm upon the conclusion of my tenure. I know all about strategies etc, but does anyone have any insights into the cultures of these firms? I know people do not go to hedge funds for the culture but it would be nice to work at a place with at least decent culture. Talking about places like Eminence, Tiger Global, Viking, D1 etc. Thanks!!

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I think the combination of size and tenure probably leads to the best SM HF seats. This means going to a place with $2.5B+ with minimal turnover in its investment staff. As much as people hate on Bill Ackman, there is very little turnover at Pershing Square for a reason. I don’t think they have ever had a core member of their investment team leave for another role. It’s always been to start their own firm / leave the industry as a whole. The other places that have good cultures are less well known SM HF (most of the time not in NY). Look at places like Stockbridge, Makaira, Route One, Park West, Foxhaven, Hawk Ridge, Windacre, Altarock, Abrams, etc. 

 

How do you define good or bad culture? Screaming/yelling clearly bad, but also thoughtful mentorship, focus on process instead of outcome, analyst trust, ability to focus on what matters (20/80) all contribute to culture beyond just whether people are nice or not, and are arguably more important to analyst development and longevity. If a PM smiles a lot and likes grabbing drinks after work but just buys their friends ideas and don’t trust analysts pitches even after showing a track record/process I would consider that a bad culture

are there any SMs that are particular good (or flip side places to avoid) on that?

 

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