Private Equity Associate
Selby Jennings, Los Angeles, CA, United States
A leading middle?market, software?focused private equity firm with $4B+ in AUM is seeking to hire a Private Equity Associate to join its investing team. This opportunity comes on the heels of the firm's successful raise of a ~$1.5B fund, and the position is structured as a true career?track role with direct mentorship from seasoned investors and operators.
The Associate will primarily focus on deal execution, but will also gain exposure to portfolio operations and BD/IR workflows, offering a well?rounded investing experience. The firm is known for its collaborative culture, strong performance, and hands?on investment approach across software and technology-enabled businesses.
The ideal start date is Summer 2026, with a highly competitive compensation package relative to industry peers. Candidates coming up on the end of their 2nd or 3rd year in investment banking, specifically with experience in Technology or Software M&A, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Core Responsibilities
Support all stages of the deal process, including sourcing, diligence, modeling, and closing
Build and maintain complex financial models (LBOs, operating models, scenario analysis)
Conduct detailed industry, competitive, and company-level research
Lead workstreams during third-party diligence (commercial, accounting, legal, technical)
Prepare investment memos, materials, and presentations for the Investment Committee
Candidate Requirements
Professional Background
2-3 years of experience in investment banking, preferably within Technology or Software M&A
Strong technical skillset with deep exposure to financial modeling and transaction execution
Prior experience working in fast-paced, deal-driven environments
Technical & Analytical Skills
Advanced financial modeling proficiency (LBO, operating models, valuation techniques)
Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to synthesize complex information quickly
High attention to detail and comfort managing multiple concurrent workstreams
Soft Skills & Attributes
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions
Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn from senior investors
Strong work ethic, accountability, and a high degree of professionalism
Other
Ability to start in Summer 2026
Passion for software, technology, and private equity investing
The Associate will primarily focus on deal execution, but will also gain exposure to portfolio operations and BD/IR workflows, offering a well?rounded investing experience. The firm is known for its collaborative culture, strong performance, and hands?on investment approach across software and technology-enabled businesses.
The ideal start date is Summer 2026, with a highly competitive compensation package relative to industry peers. Candidates coming up on the end of their 2nd or 3rd year in investment banking, specifically with experience in Technology or Software M&A, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Core Responsibilities
Support all stages of the deal process, including sourcing, diligence, modeling, and closing
Build and maintain complex financial models (LBOs, operating models, scenario analysis)
Conduct detailed industry, competitive, and company-level research
Lead workstreams during third-party diligence (commercial, accounting, legal, technical)
Prepare investment memos, materials, and presentations for the Investment Committee
Candidate Requirements
Professional Background
2-3 years of experience in investment banking, preferably within Technology or Software M&A
Strong technical skillset with deep exposure to financial modeling and transaction execution
Prior experience working in fast-paced, deal-driven environments
Technical & Analytical Skills
Advanced financial modeling proficiency (LBO, operating models, valuation techniques)
Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to synthesize complex information quickly
High attention to detail and comfort managing multiple concurrent workstreams
Soft Skills & Attributes
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions
Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn from senior investors
Strong work ethic, accountability, and a high degree of professionalism
Other
Ability to start in Summer 2026
Passion for software, technology, and private equity investing