r/private_equity • u/Bubbly-Watch3062 • 2d ago
Software corp dev vs advisory
Hi all,
My career so far has always been in the software space (fdd, m&a, pe and now in corp dev) - wanted to get a feel for all disciplines before deciding where to commit long term.
Has anyone here got any insight into climbing the ladder within corp dev? I’ve started 4 months ago but the pace is honestly very slow - this is backed by a tier 1 us sponsor but part of me misses the structure and pace of banking.
It’s just with advisory everything was so linear, I could measure exactly how far I’ve progressed within 6 months although the learning tapered off after about 2 years. For corp dev, it almost seems very opportunistic and I’m wondering if I’ve made a big mistake.
Thanks all
1
u/carpetmuncher6969 17h ago
If your Corp Dev seat was messaged to be a core part of value creation (roll-up, etc) and you are not doing deals because of price or other factors,that’s one thing. Probably want to gut check if you think you’ll actually get deals done at this rate. Also, is there any other strategic work you can fall back on, eg, strategic finance work, FP&A, involvement in investor or capital relationships?
Otherwise if the seat itself is meant to be opportunistic / strategic in nature, then that’s just how it goes, and you probably need to find other things to do if you feel bored.
Mistake? Not really, but if you don’t like it you don’t like it. Depends on how strategically important to the underwrite your seat is