Insight Partners vs. Vista Equity Partners

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Had the Vista analyst offer but declined, got to final round Insight Associate offer and withdrew. Been a while since both but here's what I would say:

1. Insight better for becoming a network driven investor (e.g., you will cover hundreds of names and be on the phone all the time)

2. Vista better for learning how to cut SaaS data (you really start modeling at end of analyst program but learn how to cut SaaS data throughout ANL period)

3. Insight better for WLB and comp and locatoin

4. Vista overall better name brand

5. Total wash for exits, Vista will give you better access to MF PE, Insight might be better for venture but marginally so

6. Vista you will work across all three funds, insight you will join one of the six teams aligned to each MD which are effectively their fiefdom (not including the buyout team)

7. Whereas you learn cutting SaaS data with Vista, you will learn business assessment through reps on the phone at Insight and learn executive presence better

Both are tremendous places. You can't go wrong. Can provide more detail but these are some quick reflections. I would pick Insight if you want to stay in tech unless interested in MF buyout / want to develop analytical chops first. Just my opinion.

Go to Vista if you want to be paid extremely well and get actual investing experience across growth and buyout. Go to insight if you want to be a glorified telemarketer.

Bump

The case for Insight (someone at Vista should do the same instead of throwing MS):

1. Comp: Analysts easily breaking $200K all-in Y1 with some >$250K. Base $125K, Bonus ~$75K, and then you get both a sourcing bonus and phantom equity in deals you source.

2. WLB: Insight better. On weeks where deals are being closed these two will be similar but it’s not close. Expense policy is also pretty solid and travel easy to get approval for.

3. Skills: Deals are not made in Excel. Warren Buffet said it best: If the math doesn’t roughly work out on the back of an envelope, it will probably not be very lucrative. Instead, deals are made in relationships, negotiation, getting there first, and selling yourself as being the best offer. Capital is not a differentiator anymore in and of itself. Talking to founders and investors in the space constantly is how you build your own personal network which you can then sell if you want to jump to another firm. Side note: You will still get technical experience at Insight.

4. Interest of work: I personal love talking to people and believe fulfilling lives involve lots of human interaction. If you wanna grind XLS/PPT most of the time instead or don’t like talking to people, go the other way.

5. Location: NYC vs. Austin to me is a no-brainer, if from Texas / the South this is less of a factor obv - TX is way lower COL though

6. Exits: I would think Vista has Insight beat here but recently found out analysts at Insight get hit up regularly by most of the headhunters for MF PE / GE / HF. Vista probably keeps slightly more doors open in reality especially to hedge funds and buyout.

The analytical skillset you gain through the analyst+associate program at Vista is way more valuable than a sourcing role at the beginning of your career imo. With that experience under your belt, you can go anywhere. The people at Vista are also really tight-knight and friendly, and comp is great.

Can anybody speak to which firm has the better fund performance? Asking bc I don't have access to this information or know what even look for. Which "does better" in general?