Private Equity, Simplified
While there’s there’s no single definition for middle-market companies that everyone agrees on, we’re generally talking about privately held U.S. operating businesses pulling in ~$10M–$1B in revenue per PitchBook. In dealmaking terms, most private-equity transactions in this segment fall around ~$25M–$1B in enterprise value (EV). Note ranges can vary by industry and region; use revenue for operational … Read more
The investment banking vs private equity debate often misses a crucial point: middle market private equity isn’t some consolation prize you settle for after striking out on-cycle—it’s a distinct, hands-on career path that’ll give you faster responsibility and earlier operational exposure than most finance professionals realize. While the traditional narrative frames private equity as the … Read more
Private equity pay in 2025 is still elite, but the mix (base + bonus + carry) and the MM vs. mega‑fund split matter more than any one number you’ve seen on forums. Below you’ll get 2025 ranges by level, how bonuses actually hit, and a dead‑simple way to estimate carry, plus why a faster promotion … Read more
77% of U.S. buyouts in Q1 2025, or nearly 8 out of 10 deals, happened in the middle market, and ~70% were below $500M in enterprise value per PitchBook’s latest data. This stat blows up the “mega-fund or bust” myth that resonates through the deep, dark Wall Street Oasis forums, and points to middle-market private … Read more
Introduction: Your Ambition is Valid (And I Get It) Wondering how to break into private equity when you didn’t attend a target school or start in investment banking? You’re not alone—I was the first in my family to hear the phrase “leveraged buyout,” yet I still landed a middle-market PE role. This guide distills that … Read more