Best West Coast Groups for PE Exit Opps

Hi all,

Hoping to get some input on the best west coast groups for PE. I know SF is dominated by tech banking and realize that Q/MS/GS are top, but how do these groups compare to top LA groups if set on pursuing PE?

7 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Qatalyst is focused on career bankers, so there's that. EVR MP does pretty well and Moelis SF to some extent as well (not sure how much in comparison to its LA counterpart). BAML PA and JPM SF are split into coverage and M&A - so you def want to be in the M&A groups if you want good PE exits. PWP and CVP also seem focused on developing career bankers so unsure on their exits. BAML Sponsors is a small group in SF that has about ~15 bankers and I've heard their analysts place into UMM/MF.

I recruited SF but ultimately signed in NY, so take my input with a grain of salt since I haven't actually started FT.

 

Wells Fargo and Mizuho for sure. Both have established a presence by advising on the largest blue chip M&A mega deals in the West Coast. Analysts here can expect to place at premier private equity funds such as KKR, Blackstone, Carlyle, etc.

 

I've heard that SF sponsors are mainly taking analysts from NYC far more often than SF (e.g. last year SF bankers had to fly to NYC to recruit at TPG). Top analysts at top LA groups also do just as well in SF sponsor recruiting as most SF bankers, although as mentioned you are competing with the full NYC group.

LA sponsor recruiting is much more LA banker friendly. Think LGP, Ares, Platinum, Oaktree, Clearlake, Aurora, Marlin, Gores, Brentwood, etc. There aren't as many NYC folks plugged into the LA scene and the culture is different. Strong LA coverage groups and LA FSG groups are your best bet.

Be excellent to each other, and party on, dudes.
 

Eaque repellat eius fugit est in consequatur. Provident expedita delectus quos exercitationem. Mollitia accusantium itaque commodi tempora est dolores. Vitae voluptatem accusamus voluptas quia ut est. Voluptas nostrum magni fuga.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”