First time fund as Principal level hire
Anyone have any thoughts on career risk / optionality here? It’s a very early stage fund — just founder and an associate, have committed capital outside of a formal fund structure but haven’t done any deals yet. There’s obviously a fair amount of execution risk getting this thing launched but commensurate upside in terms of carry, title, etc. From the perspective of more seasoned folks in the industry, if I were to try to do this (coming from UMM fund), do you think I’d have trouble going back to a principal seat at a decent quality established fund if things don’t work out? Will firms give me any credit for the experience or will theg just right off the 1-2 years there?
Do you know the founder / have you worked together previously or no? Would you receive outsized carry economics (bps-wise, not necessarily dollars; thinking 10%+ of pool)?
Have been in a similar spot. It's unlikely to close any doors relative to what you could get now. Most senior PE people are massive pussies and they will respect you for pursuing an entrepreneurial ambition.
If you're asking "does 2 years here count the same as 2 years at my current fund," then there's absolutely no chance anybody sees it that way, especially if the venture is unsuccessful. Just imagine it from their side... "yeah this guy was just a principal, but then he struggled for two years at a bad fund so we obviously have to give him a Partner title."
FWIW 1-2 years is not a very long time in the context of a career, and going "on a break" with your current track to pursue something high-upside feels like a very reasonable tradeoff to me.
Work in PCA and do a lot with independent sponsors / emerging managers. Can be a great opportunity but a few questions you should consider:
Obviously more to consider but these are some factors that you should consider and will ultimately impact the success of the fund. Happy to answer any specific questions.
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