Ask HN: Hiring Former Private Equity Employee for you startup?

#1

Post by hojoff79 » Tue, Mar 25, 2014, 2:05 AM UTC

Does anyone have any experience hiring a former private equity employee? Seems their background would give a good mix of evaluating industries / business models, as well as financial acumen to help you navigate cash needs in growth and negotiate with venture capitalists.

Any stories or knowledge in this area would be helpful.

Re: Ask HN: Hiring Former Private Equity Employee for you startup?

#2

Post by mynegation » Tue, Mar 25, 2014, 2:11 AM UTC

Is your business model related to capital markets in any way? Imagine you got the funding, what would you use this person for after that? Without knowing the specifics of your business the most likely answer is "rent it, do not buy it", I.e. Short term contract or some kind of agent agreement would work better.

Re: Ask HN: Hiring Former Private Equity Employee for you startup?

#3

Post by hojoff79 » Tue, Mar 25, 2014, 3:02 AM UTC

Not a financial startup or related to my specific product, but in terms of skills someone with that background is expected to bring to the table:

1) Experience with evaluating market markets 2) Knowledge of business models and experience analyzing competitive dynamics 3) Financial planning and modeling skills 4) Business development experience

Those are all skills that should be very helpful in a startup. Has anyone had experience on how skills actually translate in practice?