Growth Equity —> Head of Finance at Portco
Currently a few years out of undergrad at a small growth equity shop (joined the firm straight out of college as their first analyst hire, so no IB experience). We completed a majority transaction at the beginning of this year that has turned out to be a bit of a mess on the financial ops side, and so I have been offered the opportunity to come in for at least a year as Head of Strategic Finance to build out the finance team, clean up existing processes, rebuild their operating model, lead pricing initiatives, etc.
From what it sounds like I'll have a good amount of strategic influence as well, and I've already developed a relatively close relationship with the CEO since we closed the deal. Current base will stay the same, equity package is pretty attractive (majority would vest on a sale), the company is growing 50%+/yr, and we're targeting an exit in the next 18-24 months so the timing works out well for this to be a short stint.
My question is this: assuming I take this opportunity, how difficult will it be to move back to investing given my lack of IB experience? I know I will have a position at my current firm, but ideally I'd like to parlay this into a role at a larger, more established shop down the line -- it's just somewhat unclear to me how this operating experience will ultimately be viewed and whether or not this would box me into the PE-backed CFO track.
Would really appreciate to hear peoples' thoughts on this. Thanks.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice regarding your situation:
Transitioning Back to Investing:
Value of Operating Experience:
Targeting Larger, More Established Shops:
Exit Strategy and Timing:
Challenges and Considerations:
In summary, while the lack of IB experience might be a challenge, your strategic and operational experience, combined with a strong network and possibly an MBA, can help you transition back into investing and target larger, more established shops.
Sources: Transitioning from Tech Sales to IB, I don't know if investment banking is right for me anymore, Considering moving back to IB after 2yrs in MM PE, Q&A: Barclays IB to MM Private Equity, burnout / moving forward
Imo, if you can be a board observer here and own as much of the portco relationship as possible without leaving your firm (unless you want to) that is probably ideal. I think going to portco is a good path but yes you end up going down the PE CFO route, or you go back to a firm similar to yours now given that's just where your expertise is now. Put simply, if you are a finance leader of a $10M - $50M bootstrapped company they're a tons of firms with that strategy that would be probably interested in having you as midlevel, but unclear if translates directly to going to UMM/MF if that's what you're gunning for - probably better to just do the standard VP/Sr Aso lateral if you have enough reps under your belt. Have seen it happen when the market was hotter.
What I'll caveat is that PE is not very pleasant for many right now, so if you really like the company and CEO this is a pretty nice role to have in your mid 20s. I think of it almost as higher risk/higher reward, some chance you can parlay into this becoming the CFO of a nice co after this vs. grinding it out as VP in growth equity visiting 200 companies a year and tearing your hair out. LOL my 2 cents
Second paragraph made me chuckle. I would take this job in a heartbeat OP especially if you believe in the CEO / company. Awesome predicament to be in.
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