Growth Equity - How to answer “have you done a deal”…if I haven’t
1st Yr GE Aso. Joined my firm as an analyst, have worked my butt off, got promoted, but the combination of poor fundamentals in software and slower than expected fundraising and deployment at my firm (esp relative to headcount) has made it hard to do deals and I haven’t sourced one. I have worked on memos that have gone to IC and a follow-on check into a portco that went through.
I want to start talking to recruiters (who I’ve largely blown off my first couple of years) but want to go into those conversations prepared. I know deals and deal-related questions will come up.
I know a bunch of folks in VC and growth are in a similar situation, so I imagine this thread could be helpful. General recruiting advice for someone in this position is also helpful.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can approach this situation:
Addressing the "Have you done a deal?" Question
Highlight Your Contributions:
Focus on Skills and Experience:
Contextualize the Challenges:
General Recruiting Advice
Network Strategically:
Prepare Your Story:
Showcase Your Potential:
By focusing on your contributions, skills, and the context of your experiences, you can effectively navigate deal-related questions and position yourself as a strong candidate in the growth equity space.
Sources: My Private Equity Recruiting Process, "Walk me through a deal" for consultants, Q&A: Analyst --> Associate at a VC / Growth Equity Firm, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/walk-me-through-a-deal-you-worked-on-interview-question?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/a-guide-on-how-to-navigate-on-cycle-pe-recruiting?customgpt=1
Bump, same position but buyout
I’m in GE and started as an analyst - recently lateraled to a different firm (ignore yr in my title). Good that you’ve brought things to IC and did a follow-on. What I did was talk through all the deals I brought to IC and sourced even if it didn’t close. Most of the time these other firms looked at the same companies so they’re looking to see if you can speak to your work on the deal and if you can think critically about whether or not it would’ve been a good investment. Similarly for the follow-on, would talk about what mattered in the re-underwriting process and how you approached it. Especially given the macro they aren’t expecting you to have a ton of closed deals
Helpful, thank you
Just be honest and tell things as they stand. Talk about the deals you worked on, what you learnt and why they didn't close.
Was in the same position in the first few years of my career and people will appreciate if you are being honest
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