MS Private Equity (Expansion Capital) Info/Culture/Comp/Reputation

Hey guys,

Would love any info on Morgan Stanley's PE practice specifically its Expansion Capital arm. Sounds like they make both equity and credit investments but how does it compare to traditional PE counterparts from a comp and reputation standpoint? Any insight would be helpful.

Also seeing a lot of banks (GS, JPM) moving in to growth stage investing. What are thoughts on this? 

Thanks!

7 Comments
 

Analyst 2 in PE - Growth, sorry about the lack of response. Maybe one of these topics will help:

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Someone I know used to work there. Would NOT recommend based on the horror stories I have heard. They do not do traditional growth equity and a lot of work is focused on growth credit, which is not advertised by the head hunter.

I have heard the culture is toxic - the group is headed by an Asian guy who breeds a toxic environment. The partners don’t do any sourcing and expect junior folks to pick up the work. VPs and Directors are very insecure and come from non-traditional backgrounds, making the junior folks lives miserable. In particular, one of the Director who is east coast based is a bad guy and constantly throws junior folks under the bus. 
 

happy to chat more in PM. 

 

Very odd to see all the negative comments on here as I know almost the complete opposite to be true of the group. Particularly the head as being a smart energetic and kind dude - not toxic. Sourcing doesn’t seem to be any more of a component than any other growth shop, plus the MS brand carries a much higher hit rate with founders I would think, especially for GTM credibility. 

Team is small and promotes internally, overall seems like a consistent fund with good people. Not sure if there’s just a disgruntled former associate out there or something but hate just doesn’t seem justified here.

 

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