Private Equity Associate, Investment Research

Private Equity Associate, Investment Research Role @ Middle Market PE Firm in LA

About the Firm

I'm working with one of my favorite clients, a Los Angeles-based middle-market private equity firm focused on operationally intensive investments, including corporate carve-outs and complex situations where hands-on value creation drives returns. With a strong track record across multiple funds and currently raising its next flagship vehicle, the firm has built a reputation for partnering closely with portfolio companies to drive transformation and growth. The culture is collaborative, in-office, and meritocratic, with a clear track record of promoting from within.

About the Role

We are seeking a Private Equity Associate, Investment Research to join the investment team in a newly created seat that reflects the firm's commitment to building a dedicated, thesis-driven research function. This role works in direct support of a senior Managing Director with an accomplished background spanning both private equity and public equity investing at several of the most respected firms in the industry.

Unlike a traditional deal team associate role, this position is front-end oriented, focused on identifying and underwriting investment opportunities before they become live transactions. It is an ideal seat for someone who wants to develop genuine investing judgment, think deeply about businesses and industries, and contribute substantively to investment decisions from day one. For equity research professionals considering a move to the buy side, this role offers a compelling alternative to a traditional hedge fund seat.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep industry and sub-sector research to identify attractive verticals, market dynamics, and consolidation opportunities
• Build and maintain industry maps tracking public and private companies, competitive dynamics, and potential investment targets, including carve-out candidates
• Develop preliminary financial models, comparable company analyses, and precedent transaction analyses to support early-stage underwriting
• Synthesize research into clear investment memos and thesis documents that drive internal discussion and investment committee dialogue
• Monitor public companies that may divest non-core divisions and develop proactive outreach theses for corporate development conversations
• Support a Managing Director directly on strategic projects, diligence workstreams, and broader investment processes as deals progress

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in investment banking, equity research, management consulting, credit investing, or other research-oriented roles
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills, with the ability to build models from primary source materials such as 10-Ks, 10-Qs, and earnings transcripts
• Intellectual curiosity and a genuine passion for understanding how businesses and industries work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex analysis into clear investment narratives
• Self-directed work style with the ability to generate independent ideas and research agendas
• Long-term orientation and interest in building a career in private equity investing
• Top undergraduate academic credentials
• Willingness to work full-time, in-office in Los Angeles