Buy-Side Investment Analyst

Buy-Side Investment Analyst (Entry-Level) – Career Launch AI Talent Network

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

About This Role

This Buy-Side Investment Analyst description represents the type of entry-level private equity and private markets roles featured on the Career Launch AI Private Job Board.
It is not a direct job opening with a single employer.

Members of the Career Launch AI platform gain access to exclusive buy-side investment roles—including private equity, growth equity, and private capital positions—that may not be posted on public job boards. Career Launch AI provides tools and structured support to help candidates connect with hiring managers, prepare for interviews, and pursue high-caliber investment careers.

More information is available at careerlaunch.ai.

About the Opportunity

A lower middle-market private equity firm (representative of firms within our network) may seek an analytically strong, early-career Buy-Side Investment Analyst to support the full investment lifecycle.

Individuals in roles like this gain hands-on exposure to deal evaluation, financial modeling, diligence, and portfolio analysis, working closely with senior investment professionals in a lean, apprenticeship-style environment. The role is designed to accelerate technical development and judgment on live transactions.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Deal Evaluation & Financial Modeling

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

• Analyze investment returns, capital structures, sensitivities, and downside scenarios

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

• Support deal underwriting and scenario analysis for new investments and add-ons

Due Diligence & Market Research

• Assist with diligence across financial, commercial, operational, and legal workstreams

• Analyze company performance, KPIs, customer cohorts, margins, and unit economics

• Conduct industry, market, and competitive research to support investment theses

• Synthesize third-party diligence findings into actionable insights

Investment Committee & Deal Process Support

• Draft investment memos, exhibits, and presentation materials

• Summarize diligence findings and key risks/opportunities

• Prepare data-driven recommendations for internal investment discussions

• Support transaction execution through signing and closing

Portfolio Company & Post-Investment Support

• Assist with portfolio company performance tracking and KPI dashboards

• Support analysis for operational initiatives, growth strategies, and cost optimization

• Contribute to modeling and evaluation of bolt-on acquisitions, refinancings, and exit scenarios

• Help monitor portfolio performance versus underwriting expectations

What Makes This Work Engaging

• Direct exposure to live deals and investment decision-making

• Regular interaction with management teams, founders, and executives

• Steep learning curve across M&A, strategy, and applied finance

• Clear pathway toward long-term buy-side investing roles

Ideal Candidate Profile

This profile reflects the competencies commonly sought for entry-level buy-side investment analyst roles.

Education & Technical Skills

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

• Strong Excel skills and the ability to build, audit, and interpret complex financial models

• Solid foundation in accounting, corporate finance, and valuation

Experience (Formal or Informal)

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

• Demonstrated interest in investing, financial analysis, or M&A through coursework, internships, or independent study

Soft Skills & Mindset

• Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

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

• Coachable, intellectually curious, and eager to learn

How Career Launch AI Helps Candidates Access Roles Like This

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

AI-Powered Job Search Automation

• Automated applications to a high volume of relevant roles with tailored resumes

• Targeted search across private equity, growth equity, venture capital, and corporate development

Recruiter & Hiring Manager Outreach

• Human-led outreach to relevant recruiters and investment professionals

• Support in initiating warm conversations, not just cold applications

Execution & Tracking Support

• Centralized systems to manage applications and outreach

• End-to-end administrative support throughout the search

Interview & Case Preparation

• Assistance with private equity modeling tests and case interviews

• Behavioral and technical interview preparation tailored to buy-side roles

Continued Support

• Ongoing guidance throughout the hiring process until placement

Learn More or Apply

To access roles of this kind through the Career Launch AI platform, visit:
careerlaunch.ai

Career Launch AI offers access to a curated private job board, personalized outreach support, automated application tools, interview preparation, and continued assistance until placement.

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