Business Development Associate - Chicago
Soul Equity Solutions, Chicago, IL, United States
Private Equity Business Development Associate
About the Firm: The Business Development Associate will play a central role in driving this firm's proprietary deal origination efforts, focusing on direct‑to‑founder and CEO relationship building. Based in Chicago and reporting to the VP of Originations, the individual will work closely with a seasoned BD team to source new investment opportunities, cultivate relationships with intermediaries, and keep the firm's pipeline full of high‑quality, healthcare‑focused opportunities aligned with the firm’s investment theses. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, relationship‑oriented, thrives in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment, brings credibility and presence to founder conversations and intermediary relationships, and is motivated by the tangible impact of their sourcing efforts on the firm’s investment activity.
Key Responsibilities
Leading direct calling and proprietary sourcing efforts, approximately 80% of the role, targeting founder‑ and CEO‑owned healthcare businesses based on team‑generated thesis lists and add‑on priorities
Supporting the firm’s portfolio companies in their pursuit of add‑on investments through market mapping, target list development, and direct outreach as needed
Engaging long‑tail investment banks, business brokers, and other intermediaries through outbound calls, in‑person meetings, and industry conferences to ensure the firm sees relevant deal flow
Strengthening existing intermediary relationships and developing new ones, with a structured approach to coverage and regular touch points with top‑tier deal sources
Representing the firm at conferences, trade shows, and industry association events relevant to the healthcare sector
Assisting with initial deal screening using established firm criteria and helping qualify new investment opportunities for team review
Diligently tracking all BD activities related to pipeline, deal flow, and funnel metrics within the firm’s CRM system
Supporting monthly activities related to intermediary coverage reporting, deal data hygiene, and thesis development
Professional Experience & Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree required
3‑5 years of professional experience, ideally with exposure to investment banking, private equity, business development, or other relevant financial or transaction‑oriented work; familiarity with the healthcare industry is a significant plus
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with charisma, presence, and confidence to establish credibility with founders, CEOs, and senior intermediaries
Proactive and self‑motivated; works with a sense of urgency and thrives in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Strong EQ and interpersonal skills; able to build trust and long‑term relationships across a wide range of counterparties
Resourceful, process‑oriented, and tech‑savvy; comfortable operating in a small, entrepreneurial office environment
Salary Salary is competitive, depending on experience.
This firm is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
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Key Responsibilities
Leading direct calling and proprietary sourcing efforts, approximately 80% of the role, targeting founder‑ and CEO‑owned healthcare businesses based on team‑generated thesis lists and add‑on priorities
Supporting the firm’s portfolio companies in their pursuit of add‑on investments through market mapping, target list development, and direct outreach as needed
Engaging long‑tail investment banks, business brokers, and other intermediaries through outbound calls, in‑person meetings, and industry conferences to ensure the firm sees relevant deal flow
Strengthening existing intermediary relationships and developing new ones, with a structured approach to coverage and regular touch points with top‑tier deal sources
Representing the firm at conferences, trade shows, and industry association events relevant to the healthcare sector
Assisting with initial deal screening using established firm criteria and helping qualify new investment opportunities for team review
Diligently tracking all BD activities related to pipeline, deal flow, and funnel metrics within the firm’s CRM system
Supporting monthly activities related to intermediary coverage reporting, deal data hygiene, and thesis development
Professional Experience & Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree required
3‑5 years of professional experience, ideally with exposure to investment banking, private equity, business development, or other relevant financial or transaction‑oriented work; familiarity with the healthcare industry is a significant plus
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with charisma, presence, and confidence to establish credibility with founders, CEOs, and senior intermediaries
Proactive and self‑motivated; works with a sense of urgency and thrives in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Strong EQ and interpersonal skills; able to build trust and long‑term relationships across a wide range of counterparties
Resourceful, process‑oriented, and tech‑savvy; comfortable operating in a small, entrepreneurial office environment
Salary Salary is competitive, depending on experience.
This firm is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
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