Goldman PE London?

Does anyone have any intel on Goldman's Direct Private Equity team in London? Do they also do secondaries or only direct investing and execution? Additionally, can it be compared to the MFs (BX, Carlyle, Apollo) in London in terms of hours/comp/branding? I have seen quite a few undergrads get spots in London's Goldman PE right out of undergrad

Any insight would be much appreciated!

39 Comments
 

This is cap, firm is actively trying to move away from B/S investing, recently raised a $10bn PE fund. They do direct investing, secondaries and FoF is done out of the AIMS business which has a separate pool of capital. They do have carry, but correct re. the MM/UMM designation.

Credit investing is much bigger at GS with one of the largest mezz fund ever raised and the inaugural strategic solutions/special sits fund at $14bn. Senior side/DL side of the credit biz in Europe also regularly partakes in big buyouts.

If you are joining the GS PE out of uni generally quite a good gig, a few recent exits were Bain Cap PE and Apollo Hybrid Value. And on the credit side Bain Cap PE (as well) and Lonestar PE among other exits.

 

A bank entity using its own balance sheet to invest in highly levered private companies.. Jheeze... Wondering whether SVB did the same thing? :) - No GS PE raises capital from LPs/Goldman Sachs Partners just as any other private equity fund. Goldman Sachs does use its B/S to invest in illiquid private equity, the ROE would be 0% as banks need to hold capital depending on risk (hence why you see banks with a lot of US treasuries on their b/s). GS only uses its balance sheet, as any other bank across the street, to lend.

to op point, GS investing groups is mid at best compared to street. Risk appetite is very much like what you would expect from a bank. GS does not do distressed anymore, they do not have appetite. Old SSG team have mandate over Cashflow lending to corporates and sponsor-led vs. Structured credit which has asset backed lending mandate.

Go to DB, more risk appetite across the board as they are a Euro bank

 

GS is a much better option. Although in both cases you should look to exit relatively quickly. Cash is generally better than market (especially at more senior levels) but carry is derisory.

 

I have seen quite a few undergrads get spots in London's Goldman PE right out of undergrad

So they would be analysts, correct? Does GS PE poach associates thru on-cycle recruiting from banking groups, like the standard PE practice?

And how come GS PE isn't usually included in the convo/ landscape when people talk about PE funds. Lol. Kinda sus

 

I know it’s been a few months but wondering if you could share some insights on what group they prefer? Incoming products team here hence the ask

Also would they have a better shot for exit at MF PE compared to straight out of ib products?

Thanks

 

Dolor velit molestiae consequatur natus. Ipsam consequatur animi veniam occaecati blanditiis eos. Laborum qui assumenda sed rerum tenetur vero. Itaque eveniet dolorem sunt iste sit. Autem mollitia quos minima pariatur aut consequatur. Aperiam doloremque dolor suscipit saepe.

Et voluptatem voluptatem vel reiciendis et explicabo. Adipisci fugiat similique culpa culpa error ut eos.

Quae inventore perferendis ut blanditiis porro distinctio. Est dolores velit rerum nam non aut dolor.

Vel aut explicabo perferendis explicabo nihil qui ducimus. Consequatur repudiandae deserunt modi laborum id molestiae ut. In magnam rerum quae rerum aliquam unde. Perspiciatis et suscipit quo exercitationem amet.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”