Private Equity Associate

Soul Equity Solutions; Westport (CT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Soul Equity Solutions is seeking a focused Analyst to support deal origination, diligence, and execution for growth-focused opportunities in the lower middle market. You will assist in building financial models, evaluating valuations, and preparing materials for investment committees.

In this role you will collaborate with deal teams, portfolio companies, and external advisors to source opportunities, analyze market trends, and contribute to growth strategies across investments.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support deal origination & sourcing with diligence workstreams and 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, advisors, and intermediaries.
• Support deal process from diligence through closing, including modeling, valuation, and negotiation support.
• Perform in-depth analysis of financial statements, industry trends, and market dynamics.
• Coordinate with legal, tax, and financial advisors throughout execution.
• Prepare investment committee materials and present findings to senior leadership.
• Work with portfolio companies to support growth, ops improvement, and strategic initiatives.
• Track KPIs and financial performance across portfolio companies.
• Assist in preparing materials for exit strategies (sale, IPO, strategic partnership).
• Support Analysts and senior team with day-to-day deal execution tasks.
• Collaborate with investor relations, finance, and legal to align on strategy and processes.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of potential investment opportunities.
• Engage with industry experts, advisors, and potential management teams.
• Build industry knowledge to support ongoing deal flow.

Skills

Financial Modeling

Valuation

Analytical Skills

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Capital IQ

Bloomberg

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.

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.