Liontree SF vs FT Partners SF: Which Lateral Offer Should I Choose?
I am a currently an AN1 in a MM bank in Chicago. I've always wanted to live in SF, mainly because of the nice weather but as a side benefit having IN-N-Out delivered to the office every night sounds like heaven on earth. After a months long recruiting process to lateral to the bay area, I ended up with two lateral offers at FT Partners and Liontree. I am really torn between the two in terms of pay, prestige, culture, and PE exits.
I know FTP has a higher base of 140k, but i am doubtful that bonuses will still be 100% of base (like that one account "Prospect in IB-M&A" that keeps shilling out "my buddy made $265k last year") and is more likely that they raised base, lowered bonus, and kept total comp the same if not a bit higher. There also isnt that much info on the Liontree sf office and if bonuses are the same in SF as they are in NY.
Was wondering which offer you guys would take if you were in my shoes.
FT Partners is paradise
LionTree pays extremely well. Really good rep I heard (only second hand).
Platform for both of the banks are very strong in SF and I would place them as equal in terms of Investment Banking opportunity.
Ftp will receive extremely high levels of growth in the next few years with their 140k and Liontree has brand presence that recruiters will immediately recognize and prove you as a strong analyst without query.
My recommendation would be to look at how you like the culture at one bank and compare it to the other from your interviews. Every analyst is inherently different and one person could excel in the environment at Liontree/ftp while not fitting in with the group at the other. You should have got a sense for how analysts/associated conduct their work through interviews and match it with your own personality and work ethic. Goodluck and congratulations.
They operate in very different spaces...are you interested in fintech at all? If not, choose LionTree. I personally think they work on some of the coolest deals out there.
Would def go with LionTree especially if you’re interested in TMT. Much more of a traditional M&A experience (and they consistently work on high profile deals which is cool). Have also heard that the culture is pretty good
If you are particularly interested in FinTech, accept the offer from FT. Otherwise I would go with LionTree as it should be more comparable to the work you've done in Chicago. FT does a ton of cap raises and less M&A because of its client base. Hope you enjoy California, I moved here for school and it's easily eclipsed the other places I've lived. In n out, the palms, hikes, car meets, coastal drives, etc. all hasn't gotten old yet. I'm about to work in SF myself
OP - congrats on the offer! I am also in a lateral process with LT. How long was the wait between the first round and the modeling test? Happy to DM you if you prefer.
dm me
Bump
Okay, I am here to give you a completely unbiased and transparent opinion. FT Partners is the king of prestige. Sure - you may have to work 250 hours a week, BUT you make $140k as an analyst. (140k!!!! 🥵🥵😩) Also, if our culture is too much for you, you could probably lateral to a lower-tier middle market firm like Centerview, Evercore, or PJT
Hey Hey I am moving to SF in the next two weeks, possibly earlier want to get an apartment together?
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