Any insights on GIC Direct Investment Group (e.g. comp, culture, working hours, etc.)? Is it a massive career step-back vs large-cap PE?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, GIC's Direct Investment Group is generally well-regarded, but there are a few nuances to consider:
Compensation: While GIC offers competitive pay, it may not match the carry potential of large-cap PE firms since it's not a GP. Compensation structures might include discretionary bonuses or phantom equity, similar to hedge funds.
Culture: GIC is known for its long-term investment mindset, which can translate to a more stable and less transactional environment compared to traditional PE. However, the culture and work-life balance can vary depending on the team and region.
Working Hours: Hours are typically better than large-cap PE, with less weekend work and a more manageable lifestyle. However, this can depend on the specific group and deal activity.
Career Trajectory: Moving to GIC from a traditional PE role isn't necessarily a step back, but it depends on your long-term goals. If you're aiming for business school or a return to a GP role, GIC's brand name and deal experience can still be valuable. However, the lack of carry and potentially slower promotion trajectory might be a consideration for some.
Ultimately, whether it's a step back depends on your career aspirations—GIC offers strong deal exposure and a reputable name, but it may not align with the same exit opportunities or financial upside as large-cap PE.
Sources: SoftBank Vision Fund / GIC / Temasek, Citadel Global Equities (pay, culture, career path, lifestyle), What is Canada comp like?, What's the latest on Temasek / GIC?, Canadian Junior Bankers - Where are you going?
Comp at GIC tends to mirror MM PE cashwise, so whatever your benchmark for that is around what they pay because it's the same talent pool. Certain direct groups are sweaty, it depends. Everything is a career step back from large-cap PE, so not sure what you're seeking there. If you do directs, you can lateral to other sponsors but not megafunds. Basically, treat them like a MM PE opportunity, with potential upside on lifestyle depending on group, with a decreae in "nimbleness" (read: bureaucracy) due to their size. If you make it into AVP and they like you, could very well be a career seat.
can’t speak to comp but i think there is something to be said about them only participating in larger deals, almost always in clubhouse deals with mega funds. You get a unique experience where you get to see the largest marquee deals, but don’t bear the whole weight of running a process yourself. Career track is very limited though as AVPs often come in from larger cap firms
What’s the appeal on doing heavy lift on process when you can just review it and decide to invest or not?
Bump, any insights on the process?
Sry to bump - noticed on LinkedIn that most ppl there came from top banks, and have heard they’re known as large-cap investors. Process sounds very selective so curious if anyone has insights on their process particularly in Europe?
Does anyone know comp at the AVP level?
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