Private Equity Associate

Soul Equity Solutions; Westport (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Soul Equity Solutions in Connecticut seeks a Deal Origination & Sourcing Analyst to support the deal team through diligence, opportunity identification, and sector theses in collaboration with industry experts. You will help build relationships with bankers and advisory firms to fuel growth and execution.

The role emphasizes financial modeling, valuation, and portfolio growth support, with a focus on middle-market opportunities and collaboration across teams to drive successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory services, or strategy consulting.
• LMM or MM exposure is a plus.
• Experience supporting M&A, LBO, or growth equity transactions.

Responsibilities

• Support deal team in diligence workstreams, coordination, and investment committee prep.
• Identify and develop new investment opportunities through networking and intermediaries.
• Assist in developing sector-specific investment theses with industry experts.
• Build and maintain relationships with investment bankers and advisors.
• Support the deal process from diligence through closing, including financial modeling and valuation.

Skills

Financial analysis

Communication

Project management

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics

Tools

Excel

Job description

A well-established lower middle-market private equity firm based in Connecticut, focused on control investments in founder- and family-owned businesses. The firm has a long track record of partnering with management teams to support growth and build leading businesses.

The firm is entering an exciting new phase of growth under an experienced investment team and is currently raising its next fund.

The firm invests primarily in business services and select industrial and manufacturing businesses, with a particular interest in companies operating in fragmented markets where there is meaningful opportunity for organic growth and add-on acquisitions.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

Deal Origination & Sourcing:

• Support the deal team in managing diligence workstreams, stakeholder coordination, and investment committee prep.
• Help identify and develop new investment opportunities through networking, conferences, and intermediary relationships.
• Assist in developing sector-specific investment theses in collaboration with industry experts.
• Help build and maintain relationships with investment bankers, advisors, and other intermediaries.
• Support the deal process from diligence through closing, including financial modeling, valuation, and negotiation support.
• Perform in-depth analysis of financial statements, industry trends, and market dynamics.
• Assist in coordinating with legal, tax, and financial advisors throughout execution.
• Help prepare investment committee materials and support the team in presenting findings to senior leadership.
• Work with portfolio companies to support growth, operational improvement, and strategic initiatives.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial performance across portfolio companies.
• Assist in preparing materials for exit strategies, including sale, IPO, or strategic partnership processes.
• Support Analysts and senior team members with day-to-day deal execution tasks.
• Collaborate with internal teams (investor relations, finance, legal) to align on strategy and processes.
• Help maintain a robust pipeline of potential investment opportunities.
• Support relationships with industry experts, advisors, and potential management teams.
• Build industry knowledge to support ongoing deal flow.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory services, or strategy consulting.
• LMM or MM exposure a plus.
• Experience supporting M&A, leveraged buyout, or growth equity transactions.
• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to support both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines under pressure
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of relevant industries (e.g., business services, industrials) is a plus.

About Soul Equity Solutions

Soul Equity is a retained Executive Search firm, dedicated exclusively to guiding Middle Market Private Equity Firms and their Portfolio Companies to best-in-class talent. We work exclusively with Middle Market Private Equity firms to grow their internal teams and transform their portfolio companies. Our boutique recruiting experience is highly bespoke and curated to our clients’ needs.

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.