LMM Comp Input

Currently working at a lower middle marketPEfund (think $300M AUM), generalist. Recently was promoted after ~2.5 years from Analyst to Associate and looking for overall input as to whether I should start looking for other firms. Some background -

  • Started straight out of college at a very low base and bonus ~30%

  • Bumped to about $80k as a second year analyst, still ~30% bonus

  • After ~2.5 year, moved to associate and moved to $90k base, doubt all in is above $120k

I know this is significantly below market from a comp perspective, but the exposure has been great working on all aspects on deals during closing and post-close, including sitting on boards as a member or observer, depending on portco. A couple negatives is that it is not a well-known fund, we only close ~2 deals a year, relatively long hours, and higher level people are also not happy about comp (senior associates, VPs, Principals, etc).

Thoughts as to if I should start looking or if I am being too greedy on comp?

Comments (11)

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  • Associate 3inPE - LBOs
Sep 28, 2021 - 2:10pm

A few thoughts:

  • $300M AUM, implying funds in the 100s? $120k is below market, especially in the Bay Area, but not massively so - I would have expected $140k-$160k, maybe $175k if they like their junior talent
  • I wouldn't typically recommend leaving over junior comp if you're happy where you are because longevity in the industry blows any differences out of the water - however, if the people ahead of you (even up to principal) are unhappy, then it seems like the founders don't value their team and there's no light at the end of the tunnel
  • 2 deals a year, if you're working on both cradle to grave and then sitting on the board, is phenomenal junior experience
  • 75 hours a week is a tough sell for that level of comp - often these places are a little more laid back to offset the lighter comp (typically a function of fewer deals more than a conscious decision)

I would not view this as a long-term position. Since you're getting good experience, you'll need to make the call about whether you're quite ready to cut the cord, but with a few deals closed and strategic PortCo work you'll be in a great place for lateral recruitment.

Personally, I'd beef up the resume and start putting out feelers - don't quit without anything lined up, but start positioning yourself to jump when you find the right opportunity.

  • Associate 1inPE - Other
Sep 28, 2021 - 10:49pm

Awesome input. Making me feel alright for sticking through it this long. Sounds like I've seen the turn card with the ASO comp and its time to look elsewhere.

Sep 28, 2021 - 5:35pm

Way too low for a Bay Area Associate, even if you're at a tiny fund. I think the lowest you could accept as an Associate 1 would be high 100s, and given geo, I'd think you need to find a way to something with a 2 in front of it.

Start looking for a new job immediately. Sounds like the experience has been good, but it's a great time for a lateral move given how hot the market is.

  • Associate 1inPE - LBOs
Sep 28, 2021 - 6:29pm

给你一个比较图。我在一层2 location, with a latest fund size of $400M+. Comp is low 200s, hours so far have been 50 hrs with no weekend work. probably go up to 70-80 when live deals start ramping up

  • Analyst 2inIB-M&A
Sep 28, 2021 - 10:00pm

How many investment professionals do you have to split up the fees between? If you have a lot of people there, might be the only way the fund can operate. Otherwise if you guys are pretty lean could just be the fund manager being too stingy

  • Associate 1inPE - Other
Sep 28, 2021 - 10:41pm

About 10, so you can assume ~$500k management fee per employee

Sep 29, 2021 - 4:32am

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