I was wondering if anyone has insight on compensation for software CEOs at PE-backed companies in the lower-middle market. Also, how common is hiring a CEO who will largely be working remote?
| +142 | What’s “the path” now? | 56 | 1d |
| +105 | Is Everyone Too Bearish on PE? | 34 | 2h |
| +48 | Why would anyone do PE in long term in 2026? | 13 | 1d |
| +37 | 3rd Year IB Analyst, Top Bucket, Still No PE Offer. What Would You Do? | 19 | 1d |
| +25 | Is This Normal in LLM PE | 10 | 4d |
| +24 | Q&A: What It’s Actually Like Working at an Independent (Fundless) Sponsor | 4 | 2d |
| +21 | Striking out in last rounds | 2 | 3d |
| +21 | UMM PE or High Paying Strat Finance? | 13 | 17h |
| +15 | DELETE | 1 | 1d |
| +15 | Overwhelmed by amount of data / granularity | 3 | 1d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, compensation for software CEOs at PE-backed companies in the lower-middle market can vary significantly depending on the size of the company, the PE firm's strategy, and the CEO's experience. However, it's common for compensation to include a mix of base salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity incentives. For lower-middle market companies, base salaries might range from $200k to $400k, with bonuses and equity potentially pushing total compensation higher.
As for remote work, while remote-friendly policies are becoming more common, especially in tech and software sectors, the decision often depends on the company's operational needs and the PE firm's expectations. Smaller companies and those in software are generally more open to remote arrangements compared to larger, more traditional firms. However, a CEO's ability to lead effectively, whether remote or in-person, is a critical factor in such decisions.
Sources: PE Business development compensation? What's the typical range for a VP?, We should be embracing remote work, Coronavirus, Remote Work, and the Future of CRE, The logic behind going into a Corp Dev/Strat for work-life balance?, Going Fully Remote
I'm not sure, but I know a recruiter who focuses on LMM sponsor-backed software companies would tell you for free. Just tell them you're considering engaging them at some point (you can be vaugue).
Have you had any luck finding Heidrick & Struggles-type reports on the topic?
For a PE-backed software company, I’d look beyond base + bonus because the equity piece can completely change the attractiveness of the role, especially with an exit in mind. Remote matters too, but I’d care more about how the CEO works with the board and whether they can actually lead the company through its next phase.
I’ve actually used CJPI for leadership and succession decisions, and what I liked was that they look at the company first, not just the person’s CV. They help work out what the business needs at its current stage, what kind of leadership structure makes sense, and what capabilities the next CEO actually needs to move the company forward. That’s the part I’d focus on when evaluating a PE-backed CEO role.
get a recruiter who focuses on LMM
or just pay someone to do the thinking for you
Repudiandae commodi natus ut expedita dolores voluptatem dolorem. Dolorem enim minima nobis officia explicabo cupiditate. Id dolore cupiditate enim incidunt. Omnis adipisci beatae accusamus ullam id. Sit eum tenetur et cumque voluptatem ut veritatis perspiciatis. Aspernatur consequuntur dolorem totam delectus iusto maiores.
Error ut vel possimus ea quam minus. Ut beatae ratione et velit quibusdam. Et ullam quasi veritatis. Omnis nihil qui nihil culpa.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...