Software buyout PE analyst gig- no LBO modeling - buy and hold firm - is this good for my future?
Currently working in an MM software buyout fund as a full time PE analyst - the kicker?
We don’t do any LBO modeling… I’m involved in all parts of the deal from sourcing to LOI to due diligence to close but we are a buy and hold type firm that does not account for an exit on any of our acquisitions.
I really like the industry, the work, and I feel like I am learning. I am also doing cases and courses on the side to keep my technical skills sharp. However I'm curious to know from this community's perspective, is this role considered good for my future or should I look to change?
You forgot the most important part of this - what do you want to do in the future?
I don't think it's that uncommon for PE analysts to not model - yes it is uncommon for the whole firm to skip it, but many PE shops have ASO/VP hold the reins on the model and the analyst does the grunt work. It's why many on this forum advise against doing PE analyst roles.
Of course this disadvantages you compared to someone at a BB who is doing heavy modeling reps, but if you are happy at that firm there's no reason you can't stay there. If you want to move to a more model-heavy shop, I would do it before you hit ASO.
Great question, ideally I would stay in software buyout and latter up to a bigger fund or continue in MM. Either way I am happy - I got this role out of undergrad and really worked hard for it (got lucky networking for an internship and was able to transition it to a ft role). Even with the long hours I really love what I am doing. I was thinking I'd give this role 2-3 years then switch as an associate - my only fear is that during interviews when they ask me about the work I did as a "Private equity analyst" I wouldn't be able to actively give terms on debt ect. because we acquire all of our companies cash or through leverage on our other portfolio companies.
If you like where you are, stay there for now. Happiness and enjoyment > prestige or keeping up with Joe Smith over there
Your IC is just freeballing with LP dollars? How do you decide how much debt to put on the business? That’s nuts, kinda respect that
Guess so, we do not take on debt for our target acquisitions. All acquisitions are funded by family wealth and taking on debt from our other successful portcos. Sometimes I feel like my title as a "Private equity analyst" is somewhat misleading because of this. What do you think?
Are the wlb and pay good? I agree with the other commenter, you won’t be holding the pen on models as an analyst anyways. But if that’s something you’d like as an aso and above and you’re not seeing that here, and you prioritize this above the other parts of the job I’d consider elsewhere. Seems like you’re on the fence between both. I’d express a desire for more technical reps in feedback sessions and if those still leave you unfulfilled I’d go from there
Work life balance is great (except during stages of a live deal) - pay is very low in comparison to industry benchmarks but I’v already received a bump in pay and hopefully will continue to as I develop more within the role.
We tend to get outbid but a lot of other parties because our valuations are low on average - which is quite frustrating
Just because you don’t exit doesn’t mean you don’t have to build a model…
You realize your mark is your mark whether or not you try to see if the market will validate it right?
LBO models usually show returns in all the modeled periods not just the expected exit period
You can still do a lot of good modeling in your role.. and you should.. it’ll all be software biz model but still good reps man.
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