Evaluating lower-middle market PE opportunity

Hi everybody,

I may have an opportunity for a position with a small private equity firm. Here are some details about their investment criteria:

  • AUM: approx $350
  • Dry powder approx $75
  • ~10 active investments

Besides these metrics, what are some other things I can search for that would help me to determine if the firm is headed in the right direction and would be a good place to hitch my wagon to. Please let me know if I can provide any more details. Thanks!

8 Comments
 
Best Response

Ask mentioned above, the important things I'd look at are

LPs Sourcing Founder Background and Track Record

In Addition I'd ask about

Fund/Investment Thesis - Make sure this is tight. I've found that good funds have strategies and know what they look for and how they're going to impact a business.

Vision for fund - Why did the founders leave their former (and presumably PE) jobs and what is their goal for the fund. Getting to be a Partner at a large PE fund is a pretty great place to be, so why did these guys leave.

Opportunity for your growth - This fund seems pretty small, so regardless of what level you're coming in at, you're going to have a lot of responsibility. What is your role going to be and what is their hope for you moving forward?

 

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