TPG vs Veritas vs Carlyle vs Vista
How would you rank these if deciding between firms and why.
*For the associate level. The VP/Principal ranking is likely different.
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Career Resources
TPG > Vista / Veritas > Carlyle
See these firms as roughly the same either way. TPG / Carlyle having more brand halo than the others
Have been pretty surprised at how well TPG places in bschool and public markets so would agree TPG is top unless you really want software or Austin. One downside is that TPG is mainly SF and Vista is SF or Austin so if you love NYC Veritas could be the choice but you will pay in blood sweat and tears there so go in eyes wide open. I would remove Carlyle as a choice if you truly have offers from these other three
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If you combine culture with b-school, I’d say TPG = Carlyle > V’s. Probably the opposite ranking if carry dollars matter to you, with Veritas likely tops because of the lean midlevel / performance providing ideal carry dollars and internal promotion. But the number of people with return offers post-b-school from TPG and Carlyle is vanishingly small; even if you’re down on their long-term performance, it’s going to be such a weapon to recruit with those in hand and the “downside” of returning is…a chunk of large-fund management fees with a well-above-median culture and many years to burn before you have to decide whether you want to opt out. They’re not sexy now but do you think VPs at Carlyle sleep easier as one of the 2-3 at their level in their vertical compared to one of the bajillions at Vista in Austin or one of the stacked JAMMBO’s? You’re deciding on a career here, not which of your LP dollars go where.
Think at this point you should really be thinking about sector fit instead of prestige. Like which team at TPG or Carlyle would you be joining vs do you like the sector focus at Veritas/Vista.
I know people at all these firms, and they are so different, it is hard to answer your question. Do you actually have offers at all 3 firms? This would be highly unlikely given they are all looking for different types of candidates. I would recommend better understanding the firms and then focus on the one best-aligned with your objectives.
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