Altimeter Capital (X-over) vs Big Tech and Early Stage VC

I was an engineer at big tech and switched to an associate at a early stage VC (seed and Series A). Currently at a top business school and have an opportunity at the firm, definitely not thinking of going back to tech anytime soon but I also do know they hire mostly from other IB.

Any info on what the hours and typical day looks like at the MP office and how it compares to other VC joints in SV? 

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Paraphrasing from your DM for visibility for everyone else. 

Typically, crossover funds are hedge fund first and VC second. What this means is that they'll often pay better than a typical VC but are going to demand high effort and performance. If you're not ready to work at a hedge fund, don't join them but from the ex-colleagues I know at Coatue, D1, Dragoneer, (nobody at Altimeter), there's no cushy coasting. 

People that seem like they might have a good WLB have successfully turned their career into their lifestyle. That means when they're "hanging out with friends" they're talking deals or when they're going on that vacation they're still carving out time to close a competitive investment. If you're concerned about WLB, don't go to a place where your work and life aren't really separate. 

Note that this doesn't mean you'll necessarily have people telling you what to do all the time, so you could have a pretty chill set up. Just don't expect to keep your job or move up at all if you're not taking initiative and figuring out how bring in quality deals.

Edit: Worth reading this thread:
www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/lifestyle-at-greenoaks-alt…

 

Thanks for the reply and following up here! When I was at my previous firm I had some semblance of WLB as I was mostly doing sourcing and working with portcos as we delved mostly seed and Series A. 

As I'm looking to come in as an Associate on the private team I'd assume I'd be doing more sourcing instead which is something I do enjoy versus spending time on the "hedge fund" public side. Not opposed to working hard but depends on what I'm spending my time on.

 

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