Entry Investment Associate - PE

Entry Investment Associate – Private Equity (PE) Career Launch AI Talent Network Location: New York, NY (Hybrid) Type: Full-Time Compensation: Typically $140,000 – $185,000+ total compensation (varies by employer) About This Role This Entry Investment Associate – PE description represents the type of early-career private equity associate roles featured on the Career Launch AI Private Job Board. It is not a direct job opening with a specific employer. Members of the Career Launch AI platform gain access to exclusive entry-level private equity investment roles that may not appear on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools, outreach support, and structured guidance to help candidates reach hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber buy-side careers. More information is available at careerlaunch.ai . About the Opportunity A lower middle-market private equity firm (representative of firms within our network) may seek a highly analytical Entry Investment Associate to support deal teams across the full investment lifecycle , from sourcing and underwriting through execution and portfolio support. This role is designed for candidates at the start of an associate-track private equity career , offering meaningful responsibility, close collaboration with senior investors, and direct exposure to investment decision-making. Teams are typically lean, allowing associates to take ownership of analyses that directly influence outcomes. Day-to-Day Responsibilities Build and maintain operating and transaction models , including 3-statement models, DCFs, and LBOs Analyze investment returns, capital structures, leverage profiles, and downside scenarios Perform valuation analyses using comparable companies, precedent transactions, and intrinsic methods Support underwriting of new platform investments and add-on acquisitions Support diligence across financial, commercial, operational, and legal workstreams Analyze company performance, KPIs, unit economics, and margin drivers Conduct industry and competitive research to support investment theses Synthesize third-party diligence findings into clear, decision-oriented insights Draft investment memoranda, models, and presentation materials Summarize diligence findings, risks, and value-creation opportunities Prepare data-backed recommendations for internal investment discussions Support transaction execution through signing and closing Assist with portfolio company KPI tracking and performance analysis Support operational improvement initiatives and growth strategies Contribute to analysis for bolt-on acquisitions, refinancings, recapitalizations, and exit planning Monitor portfolio performance relative to underwriting assumptions What Makes This Work Engaging Direct exposure to live private equity deals and investment decisions Meaningful interaction with management teams, founders, and senior investors Accelerated development in M&A, leveraged finance, and strategic analysis Clear progression toward long-term roles in private equity investing Ideal Candidate Profile This profile reflects the competencies commonly sought for entry-level private equity associate roles . Education & Technical Skills Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field Strong Excel skills and ability to build and audit complex financial models Solid understanding of accounting, corporate finance, and valuation Experience (Formal or Informal) Prior internships or experience in investment banking, private equity, consulting, transaction advisory, or corporate finance is beneficial Demonstrated interest in private equity, investing, and transaction-driven work Soft Skills & Mindset Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail Clear written and verbal communication skills Ability to perform in fast-paced, deal-driven environments Coachable, intellectually curious, and motivated to grow as an investor How Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like This Career Launch AI is a career acceleration platform supporting candidates pursuing competitive private equity and buy-side roles. AI-Powered Job Search Automation Automated applications to a high volume of relevant roles with tailored resumes Targeted search across private equity, growth equity, venture capital, and corporate development Human-led outreach to recruiters and investment professionals Support in initiating warm, targeted conversations beyond traditional job portals Execution & Tracking Support Centralized systems to manage applications and outreach End-to-end administrative support throughout the search process Interview & Case Preparation Assistance with private equity case studies and LBO modeling tests Behavioral and technical interview preparation aligned with associate-track PE roles Ongoing guidance throughout the hiring process until placement Learn More or Apply To access roles of this kind through the Career Launch AI platform, visit: careerlaunch.ai Career Launch AI offers access to a curated private job board, personalized outreach support, automated application tools, interview preparation, and continued assistance until placement. 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