Buy-Side Investment Analyst

Buy-Side Investment Analyst (Entry-Level) – 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 Buy-Side Investment Analyst description represents the type of entry-level private equity and private markets roles featured on the Career Launch AI Private Job Board.
It is not a direct job opening with a single employer.

Members of the Career Launch AI platform gain access to exclusive buy-side investment roles —including private equity, growth equity, and private capital positions that may not be posted on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools and structured support to help candidates connect with hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber investment 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 an analytically strong, early-career Buy-Side Investment Analyst to support the full investment lifecycle.

Individuals in roles like this gain hands-on exposure to deal evaluation, financial modeling, diligence, and portfolio analysis , working closely with senior investment professionals in a lean, apprenticeship-style environment . The role is designed to accelerate technical development and judgment on live transactions.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Build and maintain operating and transaction models, including 3-statement models, DCFs, and LBOs

Analyze investment returns, capital structures, sensitivities, and downside scenarios

Perform valuation analyses using comparable companies, precedent transactions, and intrinsic methods

Support deal underwriting and scenario analysis for new investments and add-ons

Assist with diligence across financial, commercial, operational, and legal workstreams

Analyze company performance, KPIs, customer cohorts, margins, and unit economics

Conduct industry, market, and competitive research to support investment theses

Synthesize third-party diligence findings into actionable insights

Investment Committee & Deal Process Support

Draft investment memos, exhibits, and presentation materials

Summarize diligence findings and key risks/opportunities

Prepare data-driven recommendations for internal investment discussions

Support transaction execution through signing and closing

Assist with portfolio company performance tracking and KPI dashboards

Support analysis for operational initiatives, growth strategies, and cost optimization

Contribute to modeling and evaluation of bolt-on acquisitions, refinancings, and exit scenarios

What Makes This Work Engaging

Direct exposure to live deals and investment decision-making

Regular interaction with management teams, founders, and executives

Steep learning curve across M&A, strategy, and applied finance

Clear pathway toward long-term buy-side investing roles

Ideal Candidate Profile

This profile reflects the competencies commonly sought for entry-level buy-side investment analyst roles .

Education & Technical Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field

Strong Excel skills and the ability to build, audit, and interpret complex financial models

Solid foundation in 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 investing, financial analysis, or M&A through coursework, internships, or independent study

Soft Skills & Mindset

Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail

Clear written and verbal communication skills

Ability to perform in fast-paced, deadline-driven deal environments

Coachable, intellectually curious, and eager to learn

How Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like This

Career Launch AI is a career acceleration platform supporting candidates pursuing competitive buy-side finance 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 relevant recruiters and investment professionals

Support in initiating warm conversations , not just cold applications

Execution & Tracking Support

Centralized systems to manage applications and outreach

End-to-end administrative support throughout the search

Interview & Case Preparation

Assistance with private equity modeling tests and case interviews

Behavioral and technical interview preparation tailored to buy-side roles

Ongoing guidance throughout the hiring process until placement