Contemplating a new career step? Why PE-Owned companies might be your best bet in this market!
At Olivi.Growth we are always keeping a close eye on the market by speaking with a variety of companies and candidates. We strongly feel the most growth is at PE-owned companies at the moment .
If you're contemplating a career move, you might be considering sectors or companies you hadn't thought about before. While historically PE-owned firms were seen as high-risk or intense work environments, the dynamics have shifted in recent years. With solid growth potential, strategic investment, and innovation opportunities, PE-owned companies could be the perfect fit if you’re looking for professional growth, stability, and an entrepreneurial mindset in your next role.
Here's a look at why PE-backed companies might just be your best bet in this evolving job market.
They’re Positioned for Growth
Private equity firms invest with one primary goal: growth. PE-owned companies often receive substantial capital injections with a clear objective to scale, streamline, and succeed. This emphasis on growth translates into exciting opportunities for employees, from cutting-edge projects to roles in newly expanded departments.
Whether the PE firm has a short-term exit strategy or a long-term investment horizon, the focus on accelerated growth is a defining factor. As an employee, you benefit from this by being part of an evolving company that prioritizes advancement, innovation, and continual improvement. For professionals looking for dynamic and challenging roles, this environment is highly attractive.
Opportunities to Make a Real Impact
PE-owned companies tend to have leaner structures, meaning every team member plays a pivotal role. This setup offers the chance to step up, showcase your skills, and make significant contributions to the company’s bottom line.
With the backing of private equity investors, employees often get to work on transformative projects that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional corporate setting. If you’re interested in roles that allow you to have a hand in critical business decisions, PE-backed companies provide a fertile ground to develop and apply these skills.
Access to Capital and Resources
In times of economic volatility, having the financial support of a PE firm can be a game-changer. These investors are motivated to ensure the company’s success, providing necessary capital and access to resources. This can mean funding for R&D, marketing, and infrastructure upgrades that are critical to the company’s competitive edge.
Compared to companies operating on limited budgets, PE-backed firms can offer a more resource-rich environment, making it easier for employees to execute ideas, drive projects, and implement creative solutions without constant financial limitations.
Potential for Financial Upside
Equity participation is a significant perk that many PE-owned companies offer, often in the form of stock options or performance-based incentives. This means that as the company grows and reaches new milestones, employees stand to gain financially as well.
For those who appreciate the thrill of entrepreneurship but are wary of the risks of starting their own venture, a PE-owned company offers a similar opportunity for financial upside with a bit more stability. Many people who join these companies and perform well experience meaningful financial rewards tied directly to the company’s success.
Exposure to Top-Tier Talent and Expertise
PE firms are selective in their hiring and often bring in experienced leadership to guide the company toward a successful exit. As an employee, you’ll be working with high-caliber professionals, from skilled executives to seasoned board members with industry expertise. This exposure provides a unique chance to learn from top-tier talent and can offer mentorship opportunities that are hard to find in other companies.
Additionally, PE firms themselves often provide mentorship, networking, and educational resources to employees of their portfolio companies, offering direct and indirect support for your own career growth.
Resilience in Economic Uncertainty
PE-backed companies often benefit from a stability cushion provided by their investors, especially in times of economic downturn. Private equity firms have a vested interest in the success of the companies they invest in, so they work actively to ensure portfolio companies can navigate tough times, including providing financial or strategic support as needed.
This added level of resilience can mean better job security and a more stable work environment in uncertain economic climates, which is especially appealing in today's market.
An Entrepreneurial Culture
Working at a PE-backed company means embracing a fast-paced, results-oriented culture. Private equity firms are laser-focused on efficiency, profitability, and clear returns, and they set similar expectations for their portfolio companies. This often creates a startup-like culture, where experimentation and agility are valued.
If you thrive in high-energy, entrepreneurial environments, this kind of culture could be highly motivating. You’ll often have opportunities to develop innovative solutions, work cross-functionally, and grow with the company.
Preparing for the Future
With private equity firms often having clear exit plans, you might get firsthand experience with IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, or other liquidity events. This can offer invaluable insight into high-stakes business transformations and prepares you for future roles where such experience is invaluable.
For those with ambitions to advance to senior leadership positions or transition to strategic consulting roles in the future, this exposure is highly beneficial. Even if the company doesn’t ultimately go public or isn’t acquired, the process itself is a learning journey that strengthens your overall business acumen.
Is a PE-owned Company Right for You?
PE-owned companies aren’t for everyone. If you prefer long-term predictability over a fast-paced, results-driven environment, this might not be the best fit. Having said this, at the moment we feel a PE-owned company is often a safer bet than a VC backed or a listed one. Plus, if you’re excited about taking on challenges, working with ambitious teams, and enjoying the potential for career advancement and financial rewards, a PE-owned company could be just the right move for you.
As you consider your next career step, take a moment to explore the opportunities at PE-backed companies in your industry, or discuss the options with a headhunter. The potential for growth, exposure, and impact is enormous—making it a compelling choice in today's evolving job market.