Client:
The asset management arm of a global elite boutique investment bank, whose sell-side practice has been a steady client of SLA over the past several years.
Scope:
The firm sought a private equity associate to join their newly-formed software-focused investment team in San Francisco.
Given that this person would only be the team’s third hire, the archetypal candidate necessitated an arsenal of high-caliber modeling skills, an entrepreneurial attitude, and a deep knowledge of the software and technology sector.
SLA’s Approach:
While the SLA team initially targeted analyst- and associate-level candidates from sell-side technology groups, a pivot to candidates already in buy-side seats proved not only to have more impressive technical skills than their sell-side counterparts, but also a higher level of analytical interest in the fund’s complex investment strategy and therefore a stronger culture fit.
Result:
SLA provided a strong pipeline of high-caliber candidates throughout the length of the search, with the best-qualified five people progressing to the case study, after which three remained.
One candidate stood out among the rest, with a seven-week turnaround from introduction to offer signing.