Exit Opps: Corporate Structured (Project) Finance

Hey Monkeys, I'm contemplating moving into a VP role at a startup energy devco that will be almost solely focused on raising asset level (project / structured) financing - I say almost solely because there will be a need for corporate level capital at some point and given the scale, that will likely fall within my scope. Assuming a liquidity event in 5-6 years, at which point I, in theory, would have a choice to stay or exit as well, what are my options outside of moving into a similar role at a corp / what have people seen.  Appreciate any thoughts, even if speculation. 

Cheers

 

Based on the Wall Street Oasis discussions, transitioning into a VP role at a startup energy development company focused on raising project or structured finance presents several potential exit opportunities and considerations:

  1. Similar Roles in Larger Corporations: After gaining significant experience in project finance within a startup environment, one viable path is to transition into similar roles at larger, more established energy companies. These roles would likely involve overseeing larger, more complex financing projects and could offer more stability and potentially better compensation.

  2. Transition to Corporate Finance: With experience in both asset-level and corporate-level capital raising, you could transition into broader corporate finance roles. These positions might involve strategic financial planning, investment analysis, and managing financial risks at a corporate level, providing a broader scope than project-specific financing.

  3. Consulting or Advisory Roles: Leveraging your specialized knowledge in structured finance, another exit opportunity could be moving into consulting or advisory roles. This could involve advising other companies on capital raising strategies, financial structuring, and managing financial projects, which can be particularly lucrative and intellectually stimulating.

  4. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Given the entrepreneurial nature of a startup, another path could be founding your own firm or joining another startup as a financial strategist. This route would allow you to utilize your hands-on experience in navigating financial challenges in a startup environment.

  5. Industry Shifts: Depending on your interests and the network you build, shifting to a different industry that also relies heavily on structured financing, such as real estate or infrastructure, could be a strategic move. This would allow you to apply your skills in a new context, potentially opening up new challenges and opportunities.

Each of these paths offers different benefits and challenges, and the best choice would depend on your career goals, personal interests, and the specific experiences you gain in your role at the startup energy development company.

Sources: Life after 2 years in Private Equity, Q&A: Corporate Strategy Manager at F100 Entertainment Company (came from Non-MBB Management Consulting), Any career regrets after moving from PE to public markets?, PE Senior Associate - What next?, Exiting from Corporate Development

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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