Private Equity Associate - Own the Value, Lead Diligence

Soul Equity Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Soul Equity Solutions in Chicago is seeking a Private Equity Associate to work with deal partners and founder-operators throughout the investment lifecycle, from sourcing through value creation. You will lead diligence workstreams, attend board meetings, and help set strategic priorities, gaining meaningful responsibility from day one in a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture.

The role requires 2-4 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, or growth-stage operations,

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, private credit, or operational roles at growth-stage companies
• Midwest presence or established relationships in the region — you understand the market and have credibility with local management teams
• Strong financial modeling and written communication skills — you can build rigorous analyses and present findings clearly to internal teams and portfolio company management
• Ability to partner effectively with founder-operators — you can assess organizational capabilities, identify execution risks, and provide counsel without undermining founder autonomy

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 the friction points that will determine whether an investment works
• Sit on portfolio company boards or in management meetings, identify operational priorities with the founder, and track execution against agreed milestones
• Spend time on-site with portfolio companies, maintain financial models, flag strategic decisions before they're made, and help founders think through scaling challenges

Skills

Financial modeling

Written communication

Relationship management

Analytical thinking

Industry knowledge

Tools

Excel

Job description

Soul Equity Solutions in Chicago is seeking a Private Equity Associate to work with deal partners and founder-operators throughout the investment lifecycle, from sourcing through value creation. You will lead diligence workstreams, attend board meetings, and help set strategic priorities, gaining meaningful responsibility from day one in a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture.

The role requires 2-4 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, or growth-stage operations,