Startup M&A interview

Have an upcoming interview for an M&A position at a startup. What do these types of interviews generally look like / how technical will the questions be? Any insights would be helpful, thanks.

Mainly been focused on interviewing for PE positions recently, so not sure what to expect.

2 Comments
 

Given the wide range of startups, there’s no real way to know. Generally, I’d research your interviewer and their background to get an idea on how far they might be able to push you on technicals. If it’s a smaller startup or your interviewer doesn’t have a background in M&A/finance, it’d probably be some googled technicals if anything and then questions on the industry, trends, etc.

For the most part, the interviews would probably be much more focused on culture/fit than anything else. For a lot of startups, they’d be very concerned about you fitting in with the (probably very lean) team.

 
Most Helpful

Molestias rerum ducimus consequatur. Id quidem dolorem ipsam adipisci. Velit mollitia odio dolorum nemo architecto.

Saepe sed ipsum quisquam dolorum vitae adipisci. Atque temporibus veritatis facere. Eveniet dolor nobis omnis autem.

Dolor quas quia non. Dolor saepe voluptas ut.

Animi dolor officia eum. Aut veniam numquam placeat tempore. Facere ut labore iure sit quis natus natus. Totam sed ducimus voluptatem qui.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (17) $409
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
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

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...”