DC Advisory - thoughts?

Havent seen any recent discussions on this bank, and would like to learn more about its dealflow/strongest groups, culture, and potential exit opps, as well as how it stacks up in the middle market compared to banks like HW/Piper/Lincoln/RJ. Thanks!

 
Most Helpful

Doesn't compare to any of those guys in the middle market space. Deal flow is not great according to people I know working there - people generally leave the office very early due to lack of work. Heard the culture can be a bit over-compensate-y. Have seen virtually no exits to PE but maybe some to corporate. Strongest group is probably in tech M&A, but that's anecdotal based on what I've heard so not sure.

 

No problem. Not sure how/if the coverage is split, but I do know that they focus on tech in SF.

 

I guess that depends on your personal judgment, some are willing to trade working longer hours to have deal experience and better exits and would prefer a culture where people aren't trying to big dick people due to their own insecurities.

 

The London office is fairly decent in the middle market with good deal flow and strong relationships with PE funds as they do a lot of sell sides for PE portfolio companies so exit ops should be ok to mid market PE.

Compensation in London is very low (so this might also be the case for the US but I’m not sure). Unsure why.. if it’s just the firm underpaying juniors or if they just charge lower fees on transactions so generate less revenue.

 

Deal flow, exits ops and comp are far from great in the US. Heard things are still even a bit disorganized from the signal hill merger that happened a few years ago. I’d avoid if you can. Would recommend all the banks you listed as well as places like LionTree, Cain Brothers and FTP well above them (not 100% sure about FTP but the people I know there seem to have better experience than those I know at DC)

 

Highly agree. These banks are much more respected in the tech scene, especially in SF. Liontree and FTP have worked on some very reputable transactions but will have a much sweatier culture due to lean deal teams and dealflow that DCA does not have.

 

Love to see the DCA employee throwing monkey shit at the people being realistic about DCA to the person who asked for honest insights

 

Pariatur alias consequuntur velit laboriosam optio. Possimus ipsum sit dolor ducimus illum id. Dolor facilis quam commodi vitae est aut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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...”