GS TMT vs Qatalyst / Arma Exits

I’ve gathered up some intel on this forum, seems like for GS TMT the exits are top PE shops but for Qatalyst and Arma the exits are mostly GE. but some believe the latter two don’t place you very well for top PEs.

Why is that so? Is it purely because of the GS brand? Qatalyst has insane deals and Arma has nice deal flow with some deals above >1B, seems like should make these places competitive in terms of placing to PEs.

Genuinely curious to know the rationale and if I have misunderstood something, clarify it for me. Thanks!

7 Comments
 

Ah, you've got a keen eye for detail! It's not just about the brand, but also about the type of work and exposure you get.

For GS TMT, the exit opportunities are indeed often top PE shops. This is largely due to the high-profile nature of the deals they work on and the strong relationships they build with these firms.

On the other hand, Qatalyst and Arma, while they do handle some impressive deals, they have a different focus. Qatalyst, for instance, is known for its tech focus. While it's true that some folks have a misconception that Qatalyst doesn't have good buyout exits, I can tell you that the analysts who choose to pursue buyouts have consistently placed at top MFs for tech.

As for Arma, they have a strong deal flow, but it's mostly mid-cap tech with an occasional comms transaction here and there and an occasional deal above US$1bn. It's a different ball game compared to GS, MS, JPM, UBS, DB, etc.

So, it's not that these firms aren't competitive in terms of placing to PEs, it's just that the opportunities might look a bit different due to the nature of their work and their areas of focus.

Remember, it's not just about where you work, but also about what you do and who you know. So, keep networking, keep learning, and keep your options open!

Sources: Qatalyst/CVP vs GS/MS top group?, TMT in London, Technology IB Coverage Group - Exits, Interview Preparation, etc., GS TMT vs PJT/EVR for MBA Associates

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Qatalyst and GS are waaaaay above Arma. Good boutique but not the top bro and for exits it sucks 
No brainer in that case 

 

Arma isn't remotely the same universe as those other two lol, the others you'll be competitive at almost any buyside firm. Arma you'll be lucky to get UMM interviews. Qatalyst I'd argue is the best TMT banking exp you could possibly have to recruit at any buyside.

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