My understanding is that both boutiques focus on the media/entertainment space and have an investment arm (merchant banking model). How do they stack up against each other? Which firm would you rather work at?
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Definitely Raine over LionTree if given the chance, although both are good. People on this forum like to shit on Raine because they don't know what it is. Raine typically only recruits from target schools, so it exposes the non-targets who complain and nag.
It's a sick shop that does great deals and pay is great. Would take Raine.
Raine is a top shop don't let anyone here tell you otherwise.... Raine is more media/entertainment/sports... LionTree is more telecomm
Raine all day.
What are hours and culture like at raine? how do they compare to LT?
Don’t think it’s so black and white...personally would take liontree over raine in a heartbeat (turned down Raine offer as they recruited so early)
Why Lt over Raine? You working at LT?
not working at Lt but do have an offer from them. I’d like to get into PE and it seems as though liontree has better exits
I’m questioning why the first few comments suggest Raine is the clear choice here. Like the guy above, I’d take LionTree too.
Raine is a cool shop that offers untraditional experience. They’re a true merchant bank and offers a unique vc/geographic rotation program. That said, Raine’s focus is on growth equity and financing. LionTree seems like a much better option for someone who’s trying to gain a traditional M&A experience. Moreover, Raine is a career move. Most people stay on to become associates at Raine. Unless you really love media, it makes sense to do 2-3 years at LionTree and move onto buy-side shops that are better than Raine’s growth arm.
There are lots of Raine fanboys on WSO. I've seen people go as far as to say they'd take Raine over most BBs and EBs. Sure, they're an interesting firm with a great reputation in media. But, seems quite overrated IMO. FYI, I go to a target on the east coast and went to their info session, so I've heard their spiel. I'd take LT over Raine for similar reasons mentioned ^.
Agreed lol. They did have a great investment in DraftKings though. Huge return. Wonder if their employees got a cut in that ha!
They definitely have their own cheerleading squad here lmao But to OP, I'd take Liontree as well.
This site is so weird sometimes. I'm a bit older with no skin in the game, but I've worked with Raine teams on the investment banking and merchant banking side. All positive experiences - friendly people, work on very interesting deals, have touchpoints everywhere in the industry, and it seems like people stay there or exit to great opportunities in media. Sure, if you want a traditional finance experience and that kind of optionality maybe there are better options, but it's a self-selecting pool. If you're interested in media, I don't know how it's overrated.
Dude everyone here has pretty much acknowledged that Raine works on interesting deals and offers unique experiences. I don't see anyone on this thread saying people at Raine are not "friendly" either. We can acknowledge these things, but still say Raine is overrated when you see college kids and incoming analysts say they'd take Raine over Q or some BBs/EBs on WSO.
I’m more than certain this site has led many college students astray - made up perspectives on prestige and sheer misinformation by largely uninformed college students or insecure juniors can really skew decisions for college kids looking for direction.
I don’t really know how to describe the culture here but I really hope these kids have real life mentors providing tangible and relevant info.
So this post isn’t totally irrelevant. The only knowledge I have from friends who have spent time at both are (1) consider geography (2) consider industry focus (3) consider the backgrounds and qualifications of juniors and seniors at each shop (sharp distinction between the two) (4) consider pure play M&A exposure (stronger at LionTree) (5) are you the type of person looking to enter and build or maximize optionality - answer these for yourself and you’ll see which way to go! Congrats and good luck!
Unless you feel strongly about working at Raine and in the media industry for the next 5 years, I would say go with LionTree. LionTree will give you a more traditional IB experience and will let you stay on the "track." Much more flexibility with LionTree.
its easy. take the one that pays more.
LionTree
How does LTs exits compare to mid tier BBs?
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