No name regional boutique vs fp&a at vista owned company

Hi All,

Quick background, I'm 3.5 years out of undergrad and desperately tried to crack into IB for over a year without much success. I'm currently working in fp&a at a software company owned by two sponsors (one being vista) and have been learning quite a lot about how they run their portfolio companies and their strategies for growth. I am also getting ready to be involved in some acquisition integration, which seems valuable and interesting. However, I recently spoke with people from the no-name boutique and they took an interest in my background, which has led them to want me to apply for an analyst role. They offer sell-side services as well as operate a small PE fund (~$30m AUM) and are hoping to jump in size by raising a ~$150m fund. I have been trying to think through the impact of staying vs jumping ship on my overall career trajectory and would love to hear some opinions as well as answer any questions that may help provide more detail.

 
Most Helpful

Really depends on what your long term goals are.

You mention trying to break into IB - this seems like a great chance to do so.

I would apply and interview regardless, and do a thorough job of interviewing them / doing diligence to see if their firm culture fits your personality / long term goals.

If you find integration work interesting, are happy at work, like your team, etc. then don't try to get happier than happy.

Personally, I would interview, if it was a good fit I would jump, but I find the sell side M&A process more interesting than post acquisition integration.

Good luck

 

Don't try to get happier than happy. That really pinpoints what I'm trying to avoid doing. In the back of my head, I find myself thinking about being able to network my way into vista or even making a career out of working at their portco's if I can get on an exec/mgmt career path. Regardless, I will interview and see where it takes me. Thanks for the advice

 

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