Moving from mid-level MMPE to sr level at new M&A holdco - how to think about the opportunity?
Have the chance to join a startup tech consolidation holdco (think CSU/UPLD model). Company focus would be moving downmarket in terms of deal size but likely a significant increase in volume. Currently a MM SRASO/AVP and would likely join with a VP/Principal title as 3rd member of the team. Co-founders both come from blue chip T1 PE/GE/VC backgrounds and are only 4-6 years older than me. Starting w/ $50m capital base, holdco structure, buy & hold forever of LMM-size businesses (<$10m rev).
- trade off in comp is expected but they're offering "meaningful equity" to compensate - what's a reasonable expectation here? Is 10%-15% vested over multiple years too ambitious?
- what should propose as salary expectations? Current total comp is ~$300k and I'm on track for VP in another 1.5-2yrs which would likely put me $400k + carry. Is $150k base too much to expect? $200k? I expect bonus to be based on deals closed so don't think that's much of s discussion point nor are benefits.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points to consider when evaluating the opportunity to move from a mid-level MMPE to a senior level at a new M&A holdco:
Equity Expectations
Salary Expectations
Additional Considerations
Summary
This approach ensures you are compensated fairly while also aligning with the long-term growth potential of the new venture.
Sources: Millionaire by 30, Millionaire by 30, 2021 S&T Bonus, Compensation Structure at the mid-management level in Corporate Development / Strategy / Finance, Is this associate compensation competitive?
Sounds like you are taking entrepreneurial risk, so are you getting commensurate upside?
that's the entire point of my post... what mixed quantity of comp + equity would be "commensurate upside"?
i don't know, what do you think? what would be enough to make you feel leaving an MD position would make it worthwhile? maybe it makes sense to discount from what a senior professional would think is worth jumping ship for...
10-15% feels aggressive if the co-founders have already secured $50M in capital. You're basically joining a startup PE fund, and I don't think a mid-level hire #3 (basically a founding VP) would get that high of a GP ownership allocation (in reality a founding VP gets no management company equity, just outsized carry allocation).
Something like $250K + 5% equity in the HoldCo feels good, maybe can push to HSD?
My perspectives but would be curious to hear thoughts.
they just said "significant upside" so I'm not sure what that looks like...i doubt $250k base is on the table... the $50m is inclusive of debt they've secured, there's only ~50% equity. does that make 10%/low teens more viable..?
Feels like there's a new one of these getting started up every month. The model is sound but I imagine there's got to be a ton of competition for assets even at the $5m size by folks like these.
No idea on equity % that's reasonable, I'd assume LSD is most likely, but a $200k base sounds reasonable here, especially if you're going to be building out their DB and running point on all deals as the most junior person.
1) don't want to go into details on that, but AI is a component yes.
2) companies are vertical focused but the strategy is not.
3) i don't really have a view on that. can ask that questions about any new fund started by someone under the age of 40. i'm impressed by their backgrounds and know the strategy. in part, i feel that i would be in some ways an edge but perhaps that's just hubris.
del
no not PE-backed, but yes I imagine that initial equity shrinks the pool somewhat.
interested in leaving MMPE because 1) I don't see a timely (10 yrs if at all) path to equity in the GP and I find the prospect of being an owner/operator before i'm in my mid-40s/50s appealing, 2) I've seen how rapidly this model can scale and think that some of their value-add strategies could improve scalability/margins in target companies significantly making that even faster, 3) general quality of life stuff such as how smaller repetitive deals are straightforward (i.e. easier), less stress, more autonomy being higher on totem pole, and to be frank seniors at my fund are kind of PITA workaholics to put it plainly and while i've learned a lot i would not pass up a compelling opportunity to leave.
impressive or not, these platforms compound quite well and if they reach scale regularly trade at 6-9x+ ARR depending on the growth/revenue quality. meaningful equity even in LSD/MSD could be a multi-million $ outcome. that + operator/owner experience while in my late-20s/30s is quite attractive as i'd like to to strike it out on my own eventually with a search fund-like model or at least be able to approach business owners with some experience they'd respect vs being a pure investor.
UMM PE turned LMM software banker here.
TLDR: Just start your own search fund to buy software assets if this is a thesis you have conviction in.
You’re not going to be able to pay much for quality SW assets even in 10M ARR range. So what is your sourcing edge? Are you confident that you can source better than CSU/Banyan, not to mention the several dozens of little TA/Summits running around looking for the same assets?
If not, you are going to play banked deals. With $50M, you might be able to buy 2-3 quality deals. Or, you insist on paying 2x ARR and get passed on every good deal, ending up with a desperate close on a shitty bootstrapped business that does HR for SMB and churns 20-30%.
My point is, this is a hard and crowded strategy and there are many buyers who get first looks that are much better funded and have a track record. If you are going to do something really hard and risky, at least own all of the upside. If you’re scared to do this, find a partner. From a seller’s perspective, no difference in your little $50m holdco pipe dream vs. a search fund. It’s going to take a lot of work and luck. No seller is going to take you more seriously because you did the holdco work vs. PE work. If anything, the opposite.
May I ask why the transition from PE back to IB?
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