Is joining a family office career suicide?

I have an opportunity to join a family office as a Vice President. It is fairly small (6-10 people) and looks to be a pretty laid back culture. 

I eventually want to start a fund with some junior associates that are currently in private equity, however; haven't had the greatest opportunity trying to break into the space. Currently I am an Asso at a large bank. The team is pretty active and deploy capital multiple times a year (The individual I would be reporting too was originally a PE managing director for 20 years). 

If this doesn't work out / I don't like it, am I unemployable? Any advice is extremely appreciated. 

3 Comments
 

Why would it be career suicide? As long as you are doing real investing work, it is translatable whether or not you want to go institutional or not. 

If you want to start a fund, crush it at the family office. They can be your anchor LP and network with other family offices you meet as other potential LPs (many new funds are spun out of family offices).

 

Appreciate the insight - in my region most PE funds are started by ex - pension principles / MDs. There is not as much movement from the FO side so just trying to get all the facts. Also most PE shops in my area wouldnt look at someone from a family office so just trying to get a sense from others in the space

 

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