Looking for some insight into how these bay area tech banks stack up in terms of culture, comp (for first year analyst), and primarily deal flow and exit opps.
Also trying to understand how the elite boutiques (Qatalyst, Centerview PA) measure up against the BBs (GS, MS).
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Centerview is not even in the discussion. The tech banking landscape is dominated by Q/MS/GS with the next tier being EVR/JPM/LAZ. Between GS/MS/Q/JPM, you cover most of the mega cap and biggest deals in the space. Not saying CVP is bad, still probably an amazing place to be, but you are not gonna experience the same dealflow and clients compared to these other places imo.
Qatalyst really is the place to be if you’re able. Talked to at least four people there and everyone is super competent and thoughtful. Definitely the place for career bankers.
Interview process is maybe the most technically challenging I’ve had. Lots of abstract questions around concepts like beta that make you think.
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tbh female representation is something many sf banks are lacking in, especially for boutiques. think jefferies and greenhill have few to none female bankers... def can be a cultural issue imo.
Qatalyst/GS/MS are the top three. MS is best for IPOs, Q for M&A, GS very good at both. All three have intense interviews, Qatalyst especially so. Those 3 take the vast majority of large deals, with the rest primarily going to JP, Evercore, and Lazard.
For exits: any of MS/Qatalyst/GS will let you get interviews wherever you want, especially in tech finance. All three are known for attracting analysts with particularly strong interests in tech, so many exit to VC and growth equity.
For comp: Qatalyst is rumored to pay its analysts >200k. MS>GS.
that goldman discount lol
What’s Citi’s rep in tech? Sounds like they’ve been trying to grow the group with hiring
I would put CS slightly below JPM. They had a really good year from what I heard.
Piper Sandler crushes TMT. Number 1 not even close
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