THL Update 2025?
Hi all - any updated views on THL, especially on the mid-level experience, comp, upward mobility potential, etc.? Heard it can vary quite a bit by vertical, so would appreciate any thoughts on culture / WLB specific to a group (particularly TABS or FTS).
Looks like they have been fundraising since late 2024. Any insights on how it is going so far? Appreciate any and all help!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL) as of recent discussions:
Mid-Level Experience & Upward Mobility: THL is generally regarded as a strong firm with solid business school placement, which reflects positively on upward mobility. They are known for taking relatively large associate classes and working on a mix of deals, ranging from middle-market (MM) to larger transactions (e.g., $5B+ deals like Dun & Bradstreet). However, experiences can vary significantly by vertical, so it's worth digging deeper into specific groups like TABS (Technology & Business Solutions) or FTS (Financial Technology & Services).
Culture & Work-Life Balance (WLB): THL's culture is often described as less cutthroat compared to NYC-based firms, likely influenced by its Boston location. However, the intensity of work and WLB can differ by group. For example, TABS and FTS are known to be active verticals, which might mean higher deal flow and potentially longer hours. It's advisable to network with current or former employees in these groups for a clearer picture.
Compensation: THL is competitive in terms of compensation, aligning with other top-tier private equity firms. Mid-level roles (e.g., senior associates or VPs) typically see strong pay packages, though exact figures can depend on performance and the firm's overall success.
Fundraising Update: THL has been fundraising since late 2024, which suggests they are likely in the process of closing or nearing the final stages of their latest fund. Historically, THL has had success in raising capital, and their ability to secure large deals indicates strong LP (Limited Partner) relationships. Fundraising progress can be a good indicator of the firm's health and future deal activity.
For the most accurate and group-specific insights, consider reaching out to current employees or alumni from TABS or FTS. Networking through LinkedIn or WSO forums can provide firsthand perspectives on culture, WLB, and group dynamics.
Sources: Thoughts on Thomas H Lee Partners?, What's your Top Stock Pick for 2017, Personal Experience with Houston Energy IBD - Thoughts on Industry Outlook? (Long Post), PWP LA, Lazard LA, and Houlihan LA (RX), PWP LA vs Lazard LA
Exits will literally blow your mind
I laughed, guess we're both going to hell
I'm in large cap PE, already there
a lot of people have left over the past 3 years
Why did they leave?
JAMMBO that thinks they're not --> bad culture
THL is up there with the AmSec's, Onex, AEA, Charlesbank, Providence Equity, etc. of the world as being as sterotypical of a larger MM JAMMBO as possible. On the plus side, they are at least trying to not be a JAMMBO and haven't had nearly the same level of fundraising issues as some their peers.
They have raised ~5bn for latest fund that they stared raising for in 2024, smaller than last one of $5.6bn but not a huge failure compared to peers. For context AmSec went from 7bn - 2.7bn, AEA from $4.8bn to $3.4bn, Onex from $7.1bn to $2bn). The main question with them is that if they can go from being a JAMMBO to a specalized thematic investor as they are trying to do. Other firms (particularly a lot of the older MM names who weren't started as specalists) are trying similar strategies to go from being JAMMBO's to more specalized, but questions remain to be see if they can switch their perception to LP's.
This is not to discount any of these firms; these are still legacy names that I am sure are solid 2-3 associate programs that probably get you better business schools than other have more established pipelines into portfolio company, which if that's something you're interested in; these firms might actually be great choices.
Edit: why is this being downvoted? I am just sharing opinions backed up by some data.
This is pretty spot on. Work at a large FOF and this has been the story for all of these names.
Wondering what do you think about the other names here and if you think any of them can/will turn their perception of being a JAMMBO around. Aware seeming everyone is trying, so curious to see if you think any of them can succeed.
It’s a good question as I think a lot of these funds followed a similar pattern: did well with smaller funds / deals in the bull market of PE, raised subsequently larger and larger funds, returns fell precipitously as they paid up for larger deals (where it is arguably harder to drive a return vs. smaller deals) where they didn’t historically have expertise and the market heated up in general, and now they are struggling to raise / have “refocused” as you outlined nicely above. Some additional thoughts on the names you mentioned:
would you lump GI Partners into the same bucket of JAMMBOs or do they have an advantage?
Always funny seeing someone gripe about downvotes when they’re literally sitting on the “Most Helpful” comment with the most upvotes.
Bump. Anyone have insights on the FTS vertical?
Turnover is consistently high
Any thoughts on why?
TABS is a solid team. Culture is pretty stuffy / stiff but people are still pretty nice. Can get pretty sweaty at times but nothing crazy by PE standards. THL pays its associates pretty well, but obviously there’s the caveat that they’re 2-and-out.
THL is not 2 and out, they multiple VP's who didn't go to B-School on their website. It's possible they were in the past, but they clearly are not now. There are other reasons to avoid them mainly struggles with fundraising and JAMMBO nature though.
Did they officially complete the latest fundraise at ~$5B as noted by someone above (which would represent a target miss and downsize from prior fund)? Or are they still in the process of raising more and that’s what they have collected so far?
That’s interesting have generally heard not great things about them
Any data points on VP or Principal comp?
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Sweaty, tons of turnover at all levels (including several seniors), bad culture, and recently also quite bad performance after a resurgence following their massive downsize from MF back to MM. Pay is decent. Historically pretty good business school placement, which has slipped a bit but outpaced many peer funds. Tech rebrand gives them a potential opportunity to turn things around but fundamentally don’t think they’re really differentiated or well-positioned in the tech MM/UMM landscape
Agree, we (by this just mean my seniors at a UMM Tech firm) basically view THL as dumb money, which is well supported by their apperant lack of returns. I am fairly sure they don't actually have any tech expertise; it's just a bunch of generalist investors who decided to go all in on tech after they had a lot of success with tech investments in one fund b/c everyone had success in tech at the time. Ultimate definition of fund that got lucky in the easy money era. Their lack of returns in last 2 funds are pretty striking, 2 bottom quartile funds in their last flagship + automation fund reflect that. I would never want to go there if interested in longer than a just 2 year stint. As the associate above said, firms rarely get third chances; their automation fund is probably dead in their water and it's tracking as if the flagship fund will be too soon.
Any data points on VP comp?
Cash comp is historically market for non-nyc/SF MM. IMO the cost of living in Boston proper doesn’t make sense. I got this wrong when I moved here. Wu is very progressive on tax for individuals and corps… look up her record. New tax hike every 6 months… slowly extracting more from each income bracket while making the city less attractive for businesses. This isn’t what you asked but it’s worth noting as the trends have accelerated over last two years and have been covered by a few outlets. On the bright side, summer here is incredible and couple neighborhoods have a lot of charm.
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So THL pays like 280K?
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