Guggenheim vs. SVB Leerink - Which is Better?

I've recently seen some posts asking if SVB Leerink and Guggenheim are EBs. Aside from questioning whether they are or are not EBs, I was wondering which of two you think is better in terms of prestige, pay, wlb, and future firm potential? AKA, if you had an offer from both, which would you choose?

I think its an interesting matchup because both are in the Healthcare/TMT sectors and are seen as up-and-comers.

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For Tech, Charlotte has one MD and no one else. NYC is approaching 30 heads total for Tech coverage and tech-focused product groups (LevFin, ECM, SPACs).

I imagine you could work out of Charlotte if you really wanted to. Everybody is cross-staffed for now, so pay and hours should be identical to NYC

I was quoted 50k to 100k bonus for 9 months. The senior team intends to pay juniors above street. AN1 base is 100k

In terms of deal flow, we’ve already announced a sell-side that was a decent size (not disclosed publicly so that’s all I can say) where we were the exclusive advisor. We also have a few unannounced $1bn+ sell-side mandates. Everybody knows about the $5bn buy-side where we were lead advisor. We are on at least 5 other announced deals, but not sure if we’re named in external PR. Keep in mind, the team wasn’t up and running until mid to late September and has grown a lot since

 

Correction: they hired the co-head of Tech ECM from CS, who was CS's second fiddle tech ECM banker (the other co-head of tech ECM is much better/important). Since product bankers (esp. ECM) don't often own client relationships, I don't think this a big hire. Plus anyone at CS is ripe for the taking.

Just some food for thought, don't read so much into headlines

 
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Is this a joke. Gugg is considered better by everyone in the industry who isn’t an intern at SVB. At my school, nobody would take SVB or Gugg. SVB is strong in HC ECM and is growing in tech and HC m&a but that’s about it. Gugg’s TMT and HC practices are very strong. Wouldn’t consider either an EB but would definitely take an opportunity at Gugg over SVB ceteris paribus. 

 
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Didn't SVB take Guggenheim's healthcare bankers?

 

Not taking sides, but why wouldn't you take the established bank? Sure, SVB might be on a hiring spree, but all that says to me is you'll basically be doing pitches 24/7 in your two years. I'd rather go to Guggenheim and actually do real mandates.

 

pitches AND building out all internal processes, precedents (because there are none), etc.

if you’re going to the buy side I really don’t see an argument for SVB unless they really pick up steam and start winning big deals, or if the whole “firm building” “take market share” mentality gets you off (as an analyst, I’m sure it won’t)

 

Yeah, imagine having to build everything from scratch. They probably don't even have a full in-house design or India team yet.

 

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