MM Infra PE to ABF

Transitioning from a (L)MM Infra PE role with a focus on transportation and leasing to an Asset-Based Finance (ABF) fund is definitely feasible, especially given your specialized experience in leasing and transportation assets like aircraft, rolling stock, and maritime assets. Here's how you can position yourself and maximize your chances:

1. Leverage Your Niche Expertise

• Your experience in transportation and leasing aligns well with ABF, as these funds often deal with similar asset classes. Highlight your deep knowledge of asset-backed structures, cash flow modeling, and your network within the transportation sector.
• Emphasize your ability to assess asset quality, structure financing deals, and manage risks associated with leasing and transportation assets.

2. Positioning Your Profile

• Frame your experience as directly transferable. For example, stress your expertise in structuring deals, understanding asset depreciation, and managing operational risks—key skills in ABF.
• Showcase your network in the transportation sector as a value-add for sourcing deals or partnerships.

3. Target Funds

• Look for ABF funds or teams within larger firms that focus on transportation, aviation, or maritime assets. These could include specialized funds or divisions within major asset managers, banks, or private equity firms.
• Research funds with a strong presence in Europe that have a focus on asset-backed lending or leasing.

4. Engage with Headhunters

• In Europe, headhunters specializing in private equity and infrastructure roles can be instrumental. Some well-known names include PER, Dartmouth Partners, and Walker Hamill. Reach out to them with a tailored pitch about your interest in ABF and your relevant experience.

5. Recommended Readings and Preparation

• Brush up on ABF-specific concepts, such as securitization, structured finance, and credit risk analysis. This will help you speak the language of ABF during interviews.
• Stay updated on market trends in asset-backed lending, particularly in transportation and leasing sectors.
• Familiarize yourself with case studies or deals in ABF to understand how your skills can be applied.

6. Networking

• Leverage your existing network in the transportation and leasing space to identify potential connections in ABF. Attend industry events or conferences focused on asset finance or structured finance.

7. Highlight Your Passion

• Your genuine interest in transportation and leasing is a strong selling point. ABF funds value professionals who are passionate about the underlying assets and can bring unique insights to the table.

By aligning your specialized experience with the needs of ABF funds and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the space, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for a transition. Good luck!

Sources: Q&A: I’ve held Pre-MBA MM LBO, Growth Equity and Venture Capital investment roles for funds with $500M+ AUM to $5B+ AUM, LevFin to Infrastructure: The Need to Build, Private Funds Group (CS/UBS etc), From Senior Associate to VP