Banking vs Growth Buyout Analyst Programs For Venture Growth/VC
Hi All,
Recently received FT return for upper-mid tier EB/BB (Think Laz/CVP/Citi) in tech group and also deep in the process at a smaller growth buyout firm. Long-term goal would be venture/venture growth in more interesting companies and wondering what would be better to get there?
A few things that I'm weighing as parts of this decision:
- My group doesn't historically get good looks from the top GE/VC/Venture Growth Firms, but it might be a product of self-selection, as we traditionally place lights out into PE, so it may not be a direct path into the venture/venture growth firms I'm looking at.
- The growth buyout firm I'm in the process for is definitely not a brand name, but has solid investments and around silversmith fund size (~1B)
- Definitely open to sourcing and wouldn't mind it--because modeling isn't a huge part of VC/venture growth, technical training isn't a huge consideration for me
- Also looking at product management as an alternative career to break in, have internships in the field with a couple big tech companies and could probably successfully recruit for it FT (at a top CS school)
Pretty conflicted on this and wondering what general opinions are?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights to help you weigh your options between a banking role at an upper-mid tier EB/BB and a position at a smaller growth buyout firm, considering your long-term goal of moving into venture/venture growth:
Key Considerations:
Historical Placement and Self-Selection:
Sourcing vs. Technical Training:
Alternative Career Path - Product Management:
General Opinions:
Conclusion:
Given your interest in venture/venture growth and openness to sourcing, the growth buyout firm might provide more directly relevant experience. However, the brand name and networking opportunities of the EB/BB should not be overlooked. Weigh these factors carefully to determine which path aligns best with your career aspirations.
Sources: Growth Equity vs. Investment Banking for Undergrads - Thoughts?, Value Buy-out vs Growth Buy-out Discussion from Associate Perspective, Tech Growth Equity vs Tech Leveraged Buyout Firms, Why Growth Equity vs Buyout?, Reconsidering banking after receiving offer... help?
There’s a thread on the PE forum front page that asked the same thing, would take a look there
Yes, saw that but looking specifically for perspective on the best route into venture growth / VC rather than the analyst programs themselves
How is CVP an ”upper-mid-tier EB”?
I feel like consensus on the forum is that the tech group is upper mid tier
Congrats on Citi
Bump
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