Private Equity Associate
We are seeking a highly analytical and driven Private Equity Associate to join a Lower Middle Market Private Equity investment team. The Associate will play a key role in evaluating new investment opportunities, executing transactions, supporting portfolio companies, and driving value creation initiatives across the fund. This is a fast-paced, high-responsibility role ideal for candidates with strong financial acumen, strategic thinking, and a passion for investing.
Key Responsibilities
1. Deal Sourcing & Evaluation
- Perform market research, competitive analysis, and sector mapping to identify attractive investment themes.
- Review inbound deal flow and conduct initial screening to assess alignment with investment criteria.
- Participate in meetings with management teams, bankers, advisors, and industry experts.
2. Financial Modeling & Due Diligence
- Build and maintain detailed financial models, including LBO, operating, and valuation models.
- Conduct rigorous due diligence across financial, commercial, operational, and legal workstreams.
- Coordinate with third-party advisors (consultants, accountants, lenders, lawyers) to validate assumptions and uncover risks.
3. Transaction Execution
- Support the end-to-end deal process from LOI to closing.
- Prepare internal investment committee materials, including memos, presentations, and risk assessments.
- Work closely with senior team members to negotiate transaction terms, structure financing, and review legal documentation.
4. Portfolio Management
- Partner with portfolio company leadership teams to track KPIs, analyze performance, and identify value creation opportunities.
- Support strategic initiatives such as M&A add-ons, pricing optimization, cost improvements, and market expansion.
- Prepare quarterly board materials and internal reporting.
5. Fund-Level Support
- Assist in investor reporting, fundraising materials, and responding to LP data requests.
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in firm processes, analytics, and knowledge management.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, or related field.
- 2-4 years of prior experience in investment banking or private equity.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel financial modeling and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data and synthesize insights.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
Preferred
- Experience executing M&A transactions or leveraged buyouts.
- Exposure to portfolio operations or value creation initiatives.
- Familiarity with data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI) is a plus.
FAQs
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