What is the finance scene like out in Seattle? Are there many opportunities on the buyside or in banks? Seattle seems like an amazing place and has a lot of tech, but how is it for finance? Is it true that SF or LA are the only cities with much finance on the West Coast? Thanks
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Russell Investments has the biggest overall presence, decent sized asset manager. Parametric too (owned by Eaton Vance I think).
As far as IB, Cascadia will be your best bet, though some BBs (notably Goldman) are starting to build out a small team there (still very small). A few small boutiques like Alexander Hutton and Meridian. There's one in Tacoma too I think JD Merrit. All quite small.
I don't have intimate knowledge of the VC/PE scene but know the names of a handful--really don't have good intel on size and scope: Frazier Healthcare Partners, ARCH Venture Partners, Pike Street Capital, Blue Point Capital, Madrona something.
You're right that one would expect more there, but I think it's basically SF light, and the banking and finance presence swelled in the bay area and they can cover Seattle easily from there.
Do you know if Goldman is the only BB in Seattle? It looks like JP Morgan is there, but only a private bank.
Yeah pretty much. Even Goldman’s IB team here is roughly around 10 people. Lots of banks have wealth management offices here but that’s about it.
Limited IB but there are quite a few banks with commercial banking business (middle market/regional coverage). A few that I know of: JP Morgan, BoA, WF.
KeyBanc and DA Davidson have a presence in Seattle as well. Key has tech and the regional HQ for corporate banking in Seattle (possibly other groups too), not sure what groups DA Davidson has though. Hope this helps.
Davidson has a consumer team in Seattle
Op I have spent a long time in Seattle and work in VC scene...feel free to Dm me with any specifics you might have. Overall, I agree with other posters but do want to add that JPM Public Finance IB had a small team (2 ppl) here but that was few yrs ago. BMO capital markets also has a consumer focused team here.
Hey, I don't think I can DM you if you are anonymous. Is there a way to DM you while anonymous?
I don't think there is, but you should be able to DM me now.
I'd strongly recommend against pursuing a career in finance in Seattle. There are so few prominent firms, and of those firms, they are very difficult to get into (usually through connections). Come to Seattle for tech, and only tech. I made the mistake of trying to do the whole finance thing in Seattle for a few years, and wish that I could redo those years in LA or SF (or NYC even).
moving to Seattle for IB. Have a question. Can i PM?
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