Investment Banking vs COO of Startup Biz

Hey just hoping to get peoples thoughts on the pros and cons of a potential move.

Currently have 2 opportunities: 1) IBD Associate at MM firm (Not my preferred location or top-tier firm) 2)COO of 2-year old healthcare company ($3M revenues in 2016, and rapidly growing) that is aiming to acquire and roll up clinics in the NYC area and eventually expand into adjacencies and geographies. I would get profit share and equity in the company. The goal would be to scale up while optimizing operations and sell to a larger strategic or PE in a few years.

Im currently post MBA at a Corp Dev/Strat role at large public Fintech firm and cant stand the corporate politics. I feel like I'm not learning any longer and can't see the impact that my team is making on the organization. The COO role would get me back to NYC and provide bigger comp as well as a decent exit if sold.

My biggest concern is that if the healthcare firm doesnt work out, I may be considered 'unemployable', however I do have enough savings to cover a few years of living expenses.

What would you guys do in my situation? My long term goal is to be a successful entrepreneur unless I can get into PE, though I assume it is likely out of the question at this point in my career. I'm not sure the banking gig would be any more beneficial given I'm already in Corp Dev and that may be the only exit opportunity post MBA anyway.

thanks!!

12 Comments
 

for the COO position you get any equity? I'd lean towards that either way. Healthcare acquisitions are hot right now and the equity could be a huge upside.

26 Broadway where's your sense of humor?
 

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