The Other MFs

A lot of the conversation around Megafunds here are about Blackstone, KKR, Apollo, and everyone’s favorite tech fund of the moment. I’m interested in working on big, high profile deals, and am ok w sacrificing lifestyle for a few years. Not sure if i have the right background for the aforementioned shops, so exploring other options. What’s the deal with the other large players?

Bain, WP, Carlyle, TPG, CVC

I understand returns are “shit” and building a career in PE at these places may not be as lucrative as it once was. Are they still doing interesting deals tho? Is junior talent still strong?

9 Comments
 
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These second tier, shit returning funds you talk about oftentimes have better returns than the AUM hoarders, a better associate experience, and better chance of closing a deal in your 2 year stint. And, they aren't exactly hiring anyone off the street

 
Funniest

Which is why you made a post asking if Apax is still hiring associates for 2026 start?

 

should’ve realized, by ur vague, no details response that you were a prospect

 

Any fund that raised >10B for their latest fund will give a pre similar experience and exits besides a select few funds. Never heard of anyone calling CVC or TPG to be a shit tier fund not even on WSO so not sure what you are talking about. The only ones that get extra attention are H&F and APO and thats because they pay the most and just had ex-associates do AMA on this forum so there are more discussion points.

 

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