Entry Buy-Side Associate

Career Launch AI Talent NetworkLocation: New York, NY (Hybrid)Type: Full-TimeCompensation: Typically $140,000 – $185,000+ total compensation (varies by employer)About This RoleThis Entry Buy-Side Associate description represents the type of early-career investment 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 entry-level buy-side opportunities across private equity, growth equity, private credit, and other investment strategies that may not appear on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools and structured support to help candidates reach hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber investing careers.More information is available at careerlaunch.ai.About The OpportunityA lower middle-market buy-side investment firm (representative of firms within our network) may seek an analytically driven Entry Buy-Side Associate to support investment teams across deal evaluation, financial analysis, diligence, and portfolio monitoring.This role is designed for candidates at the beginning of their buy-side investing careers, offering hands-on exposure to live deals, close interaction with senior investors, and direct involvement in the investment process within a lean, fast-paced environment.Day-to-Day ResponsibilitiesInvestment Analysis & Financial ModelingBuild and maintain operating and transaction models, including 3-statement models, DCFs, and LBOs (as applicable)Analyze investment returns, capital structures, leverage, and downside scenariosPerform valuation analyses using comparable companies, precedent transactions, and intrinsic valuation methodsSupport underwriting of new investment opportunitiesDue Diligence & Market ResearchAssist with diligence across financial, commercial, operational, and legal workstreamsAnalyze company financials, KPIs, customer metrics, and unit economicsConduct industry and competitive research to support investment thesesOrganize and synthesize diligence findings into clear analytical outputsInvestment Committee & Deal SupportPrepare investment memos, exhibits, and presentation materialsSummarize key diligence insights, risks, and upside driversSupport internal discussions leading to investment decisionsAssist transaction processes from initial review through executionPortfolio Monitoring & SupportHelp track portfolio company performance against underwriting assumptionsSupport KPI dashboards, reporting, and ongoing analysisContribute to analysis for add-on acquisitions, refinancings, and exit planningAssist with ad hoc analytical projects related to portfolio strategyWhat Makes This Work EngagingEarly exposure to buy-side investing and decision-makingHands-on involvement in live transactions and portfolio analysisInteraction with management teams, founders, and senior investorsAccelerated learning in financial modeling, valuation, and investment judgmentIdeal Candidate ProfileThis profile reflects the competencies commonly sought for entry-level buy-side associate roles.Education & Technical SkillsBachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related fieldStrong Excel skills and ability to build or review financial modelsFoundational understanding of accounting, corporate finance, and valuationExperience (Formal Or Informal)Prior internships or exposure to investment banking, private equity, private credit, asset management, consulting, or corporate finance is beneficialClear interest in investing, financial analysis, and transaction-oriented workSoft Skills & MindsetStrong analytical thinking and attention to detailClear written and verbal communication skillsAbility to perform in fast-paced, high-expectation environmentsCoachable, curious, and motivated to develop as an investorHow Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like ThisCareer Launch AI is a career acceleration platform for candidates pursuing competitive buy-side and private markets roles.AI-Powered Job Search AutomationAutomated applications to a large volume of relevant entry-level rolesTargeted searches across private equity, growth equity, private credit, venture capital, and related buy-side fieldsRecruiter & Hiring Manager OutreachHuman-led outreach to recruiters and investment professionalsSupport initiating direct, targeted conversations beyond job portalsExecution & Tracking SupportCentralized systems to manage applications and outreachEnd-to-end administrative support throughout the recruiting processInterview & Case PreparationSupport with investment case studies, modeling tests, and technical interviewsBehavioral interview coaching aligned with entry-level buy-side rolesContinued SupportOngoing guidance provided throughout the hiring process until placementLearn More or ApplyTo access roles of this kind through the Career Launch AI platform, visit:careerlaunch.aiCareer Launch AI offers access to a curated private job board, personalized outreach support, automated application tools, interview preparation, and continued assistance until placement.Career Launch AI — Powered by Initio Capital8 The Green, Dover, Delaware 19901admin@careerlaunch.ai