Private Equity Associate — Lead Deals & Portfolio Growth

Soul Equity Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Soul Equity Solutions is seeking a Private Equity Associate to join the deal team in Chicago. You will work directly with deal partners and founder-operators across sourcing, diligence, and value creation, contributing to investment decisions from day one.

The role emphasizes rigorous analysis, financial modeling, and strategic counsel, with on-site portfolio company engagement and exposure to growth-stage opportunities across mid-market companies.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, private credit, or operational roles at growth-stage companies.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate business fundamentals and operational performance.
• Midwest presence or established relationships in the region.
• Ability to partner effectively with founder-operators and provide counsel.
• Strong financial modeling and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Qualify opportunities alongside partners, build relationships with sell-side advisors and entrepreneurs, and write the initial investment thesis.
• Lead specific workstreams (financials, operations, customer concentration, competitive position), conduct management interviews, and identify friction points.
• Sit on portfolio company boards or in management meetings, identify operational priorities with the founder, and track execution against milestones.
• Spend time on-site with portfolio companies, maintain financial models, and help founders think through scaling challenges.

Skills

Financial modeling

Written communication

Deal evaluation

Midwest presence

Job description

Soul Equity Solutions is seeking a Private Equity Associate to join the deal team in Chicago. You will work directly with deal partners and founder-operators across sourcing, diligence, and value creation, contributing to investment decisions from day one.

The role emphasizes rigorous analysis, financial modeling, and strategic counsel, with on-site portfolio company engagement and exposure to growth-stage opportunities across mid-market companies.