Starting Your Own Firm

Imagine you are at a firm for 15+ years, build relationships in your target industry, master the skillset required (technical skills and knowledge), then break off on your own.

What is the ideal path to start on to get to this point where you break off? Possible from middle market, or is BB/EB always preferred? How does the timeframe change the calculation (20-40-60 years post launch)?

Curious what people think of this path and why they do/don’t choose to pursue it.

2 Comments
 

Still an undergraduate so might not add much value to this thread, however, seems like an interesting question and I've always wanted to pursue this path.

In contrast to op, I have a different view of spending 15 years in the industry.

Preferably TAS -> MM ib (analyst) -> BB (analyst 2 / Assoc) -> (MF / MM depending on how well I think my expertise aligns with either deal sizes) PE -> MBA -> (maybe some strategy consulting) -> break off to start something of my own (either advisory/PE/VC).

Having gone through MM and BB deals and building strong contacts, I should know where my expertise/interests lie and concentrate my own shop based on that. Further to that, an MBA (preferably at a different location from home) would further add to my networking.

Reason why I want to do TAS is, I assume the work experience would be beneficial when transitioning to PE.

Arguably hopping around a lot might reduce my chances of building a strong book of contacts, but I've got 15-20 years right?

Not sure to what extent I've answered the question, but hopefully have provided an insight into how I aim to carry out my career, open to discussion!

 

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