What resources are required to start an investment bank?

Recently, I came up with an idea along with several of my classmates for what we think is a unique business model for an investment bank. We believe this business model would fit a niche that is not currently occupied by existing i-banks. I don't want to go into detail about how this bank would differ from existing i-banks (PM me if you're really interested), but I would like to find out what resources are needed to start an investment bank from scratch. Specifically, how much capital would be necessary to start a bank that serviced small and mid-sized businesses? Also, I assume that to generate a substantial amount of business it would be necessary to have some partners in the business with substantial i-banking experience. I've read about banks that were started by associates. Is this reasonable, or would we need to convince someone like an MD or VP to join the business? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

9 Comments
 
Best Response

An investment bank is nothing more than a rolodex and some start up capital...it would be helpful to have at least 1 or 2 senior members as they would hopefully have long standing client relationships and prior experience. Ken Moelis is a perfect example of a highly respected guy on WS who was able to start his own shop

It can be done and I do think there is tremendous opporunity in this environment to begin a specialized sell-side advisory business. You would really have to offer some value add to convince a client to work with you as opposed to some well established MM bank.

PM if you come up with anything interesting

 

M&A at a dentist office? you must work wicked long hours.

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