Entry Investment Associate – PE

Entry Investment Associate – Private Equity (PE)

Career Launch AI Talent Network
Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Typically $140,000 – $185,000+ total compensation (varies by employer)

This Entry Investment Associate – PE description represents the type of early-career private equity associate roles featured on the Career Launch AI Private Job Board.
It is not a direct job opening with a specific employer.

Members of the Career Launch AI platform gain access to exclusive entry-level private equity investment roles that may not appear on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools, outreach support, and structured guidance to help candidates reach hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber buy-side careers.

More information is available at career launch.ai
.

A lower middle-market private equity firm (representative of firms within our network) may seek a highly analytical Entry Investment Associate to support deal teams across the full investment lifecycle
, from sourcing and underwriting through execution and portfolio support.

This role is designed for candidates at the start of an associate-track private equity career
, offering meaningful responsibility, close collaboration with senior investors, and direct exposure to investment decision-making. Teams are typically lean, allowing associates to take ownership of analyses that directly influence outcomes.

Build and maintain operating and transaction models
, including 3-statement models, DCFs, and LBOs

Analyze investment returns, capital structures, leverage profiles, and downside scenarios

Perform valuation analyses using comparable companies, precedent transactions, and intrinsic methods

Support underwriting of new platform investments and add-on acquisitions

Support diligence across financial, commercial, operational, and legal work streams

Analyze company performance, KPIs, unit economics, and margin drivers

Conduct industry and competitive research to support investment theses

Synthesize third-party diligence findings into clear, decision-oriented insights

Draft investment memoranda, models, and presentation materials

Summarize diligence findings, risks, and value-creation opportunities

Prepare data-backed recommendations for internal investment discussions

Support transaction execution through signing and closing

Assist with portfolio company KPI tracking and performance analysis

Support operational improvement initiatives and growth strategies

Contribute to analysis for bolt-on acquisitions, refinancings, recapitalizations, and exit planning

Monitor portfolio performance relative to underwriting assumptions

Direct exposure to live private equity deals and investment decisions

Meaningful interaction with management teams, founders, and senior investors

Accelerated development in M&A, leveraged finance, and strategic analysis

Clear progression toward long-term roles in private equity investing

This profile reflects the competencies commonly sought for entry-level private equity associate roles
.

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field

Strong Excel skills and ability to build and audit complex financial models

Solid understanding of accounting, corporate finance, and valuation

Prior internships or experience in investment banking, private equity, consulting, transaction advisory, or corporate finance is beneficial

Demonstrated interest in private equity, investing, and transaction-driven work

Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail

Clear written and verbal communication skills

Ability to perform in fast-paced, deal-driven environments

Coachable, intellectually curious, and motivated to grow as an investor

Career Launch AI is a career acceleration platform supporting candidates pursuing competitive private equity and buy-side roles.

Automated applications to a high volume of…