Thoughts on an Emerging PE Fund

I have been an associate with a growth MF (GA, TB, etc) and was recently approached by an HH for an opportunity to join an emerging manager who is currently trying to raise a 700m to 1B fund. I have had a conversation with the team and want to know your thoughts, especially as I am on VP track. Here are the details. 
 

1. Founder used run Europe for a well respected MF (Warburg, Advent TA etc). He wanted to start his own firm in the European software space. He has a greater track record, last 15 years invested approx 5B of capital and returned about 20B of capital. 
2. Comp is in line with my current job - main benefits is that I have more responsibilities, more freedom and an opportunity for significantly more carry - assuming the fund is successful. 
3. Interestingly, he is still part of the previous firm listed as a deal partner. They are letting him to do this. He has hired a few members for his team, also he has great advisors. Including Park Hill/Evercore and top Lawyers. 
 

What do you you think of the opportunity? Should I take it? How about the software space, still room to run?

Edit: he has not officially started fundraising, but already has 2 term term sheets from blue chip investors for 400M  

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some thoughts on your opportunity with the emerging PE fund:

Key Points to Consider:

  1. Founder’s Track Record:

    • The founder has a strong background, having run Europe for a well-respected MF and managed significant capital with impressive returns (invested approx. $5B and returned about $20B over 15 years). This indicates a high level of expertise and a successful track record.
  2. Compensation and Responsibilities:

    • Compensation is in line with your current job, but the new role offers more responsibilities, freedom, and potential for significantly more carry. This could be a substantial career growth opportunity if the fund is successful.
  3. Current Involvement with Previous Firm:

    • The founder is still listed as a deal partner at his previous firm, which could be a positive sign of ongoing support and credibility. The involvement of reputable advisors like Park Hill/Evercore and top lawyers further strengthens the firm's foundation.
  4. Fundraising Status:

    • Although the founder has not officially started fundraising, having two term sheets from blue-chip investors for $400M is a strong indicator of confidence from the investment community.

Considerations for the Software Space:

  • Growth Potential:
    • The software space continues to show robust growth potential, especially in Europe. The sector is known for innovation and scalability, which can lead to high returns on investment.

Questions to Ask:

  • Stability and Working Capital:

    • Ensure the management company has adequate working capital to fund operational expenses. This is crucial for the stability of your role and the firm's operations.
  • Career Progression and Mentorship:

    • Inquire about career progression, potential paths to partnership, and the level of mentorship and regular interaction with the principals. This will help you gauge your long-term growth prospects within the firm.

Conclusion:

  • Opportunity Assessment:

    • This opportunity seems compelling given the founder’s track record, the potential for higher carry, and the strong initial interest from blue-chip investors. The software space remains promising, and the additional responsibilities and freedom could significantly enhance your career trajectory.
  • Next Steps:

    • Conduct thorough due diligence on the firm’s financial stability and the founder’s vision for the future. If satisfied, this could be a strategic move that aligns well with your career goals.

Feel free to ask additional questions or seek further clarification on specific aspects of the opportunity!

Sources: Startup PE Shop - Self Funded, Software Engineering seems like the best job one could have, Does it make sense to go from software CD->traditional PE if my end goal is software PE?, IB or $200M PE Fund out of UG?, Do you think it's justifiable to ask for 25% of the GP for being the fund raiser for the projects?

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

I've also been contacted about this position (assuming this is the MD from one of the 3 respected funds you list... ), sometime over the summer. I didn't end up proceeding because it was a very early stage setup with seemingly nothing but him committed. I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea fwiw, and some of his deals are quite interesting. But I am at a bit of a different stage where idk if I want to take on as much risk as this. It needs to be well set up with commitments not just chatter. 

It's a super interesting space though, and if I leave my current UMM/MF gig, I'd definitely want to be in the sub-2bn area. 

 

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