MBA Associate: Investment Banking (Software M&A) | Summer 2026

AQ Technology Partners; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique investment bank in California is offering an MBA Associate position for Summer 2026. This role offers hands-on experience in software investment banking, where you will work closely with senior bankers on live M&A transactions and develop key skills essential for a successful career in finance. Candidates must be current MBA students with strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a two-year MBA program graduating between December 2026 and June 2027.
• 2-3 years of prior professional experience in finance, accounting, consulting, or technology.
• Strong academic track record.

Responsibilities

• Support senior bankers in advising software clients on M&A transactions.
• Conduct market and company research for transaction positioning.
• Prepare client-facing materials like financial models and presentations.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Leadership

Project management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

MBA program

Job description

MBA Associate: Investment Banking (Software M&A) | Summer 2026

Redwood City, CA

About AQ Technology Partners

AQ Technology Partners is a boutique investment bank focused exclusively on the software ecosystem. We provide high-touch M&A and financial advisory services to sector leading software companies and their investors. Our deep sector expertise, collaborative culture, and commitment to excellence enable us to deliver thoughtful, value-driven outcomes for our clients.

Why AQ Technology Partners

At AQ, you will be part of a close-knit team where your work directly impacts clients and outcomes. Our structure means exposure to senior leadership and live transaction experience from day one. We value initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a team-oriented mindset and we invest in the professional growth of every team member.

Join us to gain the technical foundation, deal experience, and mentorship to launch a successful career in investment banking within one of the most dynamic market segments.

Program Overview

The AQ Summer Associate Program offers MBA students a fast-paced, hands-on introduction to software investment banking. Over the course of the summer, you will work directly with senior bankers and clients on live M&A and growth capital transactions, gaining exposure to every stage of transaction execution, from financial modeling and valuation to client strategy and negotiation.

As a Summer Associate, you will take on meaningful responsibility immediately and throughout the internship program. You will provide relevant contributions to transaction execution, develop presentation and marketing materials for clients, lead analytical workstreams, and mentor junior team members. This experience is designed to accelerate your professional development and prepare you for a successful career in investment banking.

• Location: Redwood City, CA
• Program Duration: Summer 2026 (10 weeks)
• Eligibility: Current MBA student graduating between December 2026 and June 2027
• Full-Time Opportunity: Candidates demonstrating exceptional performance will receive an offer to return as a full-time Associate following graduation
• Compensation: Total salary of U.S.$32,500 (less applicable payroll taxes, withholdings, and deductions) paid in semi-monthly installments over the 10-week internship period

Responsibilities

• Support senior bankers in advising software clients and financial sponsors on strategic M&A, private equity, and growth equity transactions
• Conduct market and company research to support transaction positioning, strategic buyer engagement, and business development initiatives
• Prepare client-facing materials such as confidential information memoranda, management presentations, and financial modeling / analysis
• Partner with senior team members to develop new business opportunities and manage client relationships
• Train and mentor analyst staff, contributing to AQ’s collaborative and high-performance culture

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a two-year MBA program with expected graduation between December 2026 and June 2027
• 2–3 years of prior professional experience in finance, accounting, consulting, or technology
• Strong academic track record
• Demonstrated excellence in quantitative and analytical deliverables
• Strong leadership, organization, and project management skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and work collaboratively in a small team
• Passion for software, technology, and M&A