Thoughts on Hot Startup AI Strategic Finance Offer? Ex-PE / IB
Backround: Bottom-ranked Ivy, 2 Years EB then 1 year UMM PE (CDR, Veritas, L. Catt)
Have so far hated PE and don't think I would stay here full time. Been recruiting hard and have an offer for a top AI startup. Total comp is quoted ~$285k all in and hours are ~55ish. Title would be "Senior Strategic Finance Associate". Thoughts? Seems higher end of norm.
Have those who have moved from PE > Corporate or those who are currently recruiting provide some color on the ranges you are expecting / seeing?
Jumping straight into it—this offer seems solid, especially given your background and the current market trends. Here's a breakdown based on the most helpful WSO content:
Compensation:
Hours:
Title:
Exit Opportunities:
Market Trends:
Final Thoughts:
This offer seems like a great opportunity, especially if you're looking to escape the grind of PE and want to join a high-growth, mission-driven company. The comp is strong, the hours are reasonable, and the title sets you up for future growth. If the company has a solid investor base and a clear path to profitability, it could be a no-brainer. Just make sure to evaluate the equity package and the company's financial health before signing.
Sources: Leave PE for Corp Dev VP role?, Q&A: Leaving PE After 2.5 Years for Corporate Finance, Tech As An Alternative to Finance, Strategic finance?
Is that all-in include equity? Agree that it's very high for your level of experience but it depends on how well funded they are and what they have you doing.
not saying this in a rude way but didn't you start a company? how do you have so much time to be commenting as much on this site as you do?
Some people scroll on social media, I use some of my intermittent downtime to help people out by posting here. There are plenty of PMs and other people here posting during market hours.
Also it takes 30 sec to comment, this isn't rocket science lol.
honestly in AI we would need the name to really decide as it is so case by case for some of these new companies. but solid comp and hours and if you hate PE it seems like a step in the right direction.
agreed on the name... Stripe by any chance?
Stripe isn't an AI company nor is it a startup so would assume no. Guessing more in the Cognition, Mercor, Hebbia, etc. ballpark. I would pass it on talent density first then future outlook in your mind. I have serious doubt about the future of the Hebbias/Rogos of the world and you need to decide if Ilya and others are right in needing new training techniques to reach AGI and if so where Mercor / Scale type work would be required
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