Stick around IB until market better vs Start-up fund

Hi everyone,

As titled, I have been trying to move to PEs for a while but unsuccesful given the market has been very challenging recently (especially in the industry that I cover). I now have the option to join a start-up fund (few hundred mm for now but will fubdraise more) OR staying at my MM IB (top notch MM). My considerations are:

  • If I stick around IB longer, I might not be able to move to buyside in the future as I'm already senior asscociate
  • Start-up fund will pay significantly less and has the risk that it might not kick-off and wind down
  • If joining start-up fund I'll be involved in everything and will have first hand investing experience which open the door for me to a bigger fund later

Really appreciate your thoughts!

3 Comments
 

Hey there! It sounds like you're at a crossroads, and it's not an easy decision to make. Based on the most helpful WSO content, there are a few things you might want to consider.

Firstly, staying in Investment Banking until the market improves could be a safe bet. You can continue to hone your skills and build your network. This could potentially open up more opportunities in the future. Plus, the stability and compensation in IB are generally higher compared to a startup fund.

On the other hand, joining a startup fund could be a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor and potentially have a significant impact on the fund's growth. It could also offer more hands-on experience and learning opportunities. However, it's important to remember that startups come with their own set of risks and challenges.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term career goals and personal risk tolerance. If you're passionate about the startup world and are willing to take on the risks, then the startup fund could be a great fit. If you prefer a more stable environment and are looking to build a solid foundation in IB, then it might be best to stay put for now.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It's about what feels right for you. Good luck with your decision!

Sources: Quitting major Investment Bank in NYC after 2 months...?, Should I leave IB?, Join startup HF or pursue MBA? Seeking advice.., Turing down IB FT offer to run my startup?, Banking -> Startup PM on who SHOULD join IB

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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