Traditional PE to Co-Invest compensation

I'm currently an associate at a traditional PE fund and currently entertaining an opportunity at a co-investment shop for a Sr. associate/VP level. I've had several conversations with the team about role and expectations, which has been made clear; however, comp has not been discussed yet aside from it being "market". Does anyone know what Market is for a senior associate role on a co-investment team. FWIW, this shop has a few strategies - primaries, secondaries, credit, etc.

Any info on comp at the co-investment level willbe appreciated. 

Background. I thought traditional PE would be my long term path but a few things have happened personally and am looking for something with a better WLB and would allow me to spend more time with family and love ones.

12 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I made the same switch from PE associate to an associate in a Co-invest / primaries / secondaries role. Been super happy with the switch and found that the comp was almost on par (virtually no discount, though the PE fund I was previously at might have been paying on the lower side). Work life balance has been substantially better and I feel so happy I made the move. I was nervous to make the switch, but I spoke to so many people who were also getting burnt out on the direct PE side which solidified my decision. As long as the co-invest fund has a good name and reputation, I would feel confident in the move.

 

Any idea on typical VP+ cash comp and carry? Trying to get an understanding of the usual discount between co-invest and buyout roles as you move up the ladder. 

 

OP Here

Thanks for all of the color on comp. It doesn't seem like the discount is too drastic, I was certainly expecting a greater discount. I am totally okay with taking a step back from the traditional PE diligence process and managing multiple work streams with third party providers to something that appears to be less stressful and still good comp with better WLB.

In addition to comp, if anyone has any experience they would like to share, please do drop them in the comments. Would love to hear everyone's experience who have made the jump or those who are looking to go the opposite, co-investment to direct.

 

Autem laborum sed iste. Soluta blanditiis accusantium et non quia. Aut qui est molestiae doloremque veritatis aut. Dolores nemo repudiandae eius rem quis.

Quibusdam fugiat ullam tenetur. Sed eos consequuntur repellendus dolorem ut architecto placeat. Et laudantium et rerum consequatur minus ipsam voluptatem. Neque eum beatae velit unde.

Molestias ut tempora sit velit sint. Asperiores omnis dolor sint enim et. Et ut voluptatem voluptate assumenda et.

Et dignissimos eum eum hic facere velit. Sint esse dignissimos voluptatem. Et et architecto qui aut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (352) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”