Pros
- Global exposure to alternative investment firms and opportunities - Long history of investing in private capital (one of the oldest) - Started off to help non-profits (focuses on others too now; most of the big endowments and foundations have decided to directly invest) - Culture/Working hours better compared to comparable NYC firms
Cons
- The industry is way too competitive (Bigger firms (i.e. BlackRock/Carlyle/Blackstone/Adams Street/HarbourVest) constantly grab business; they are in fact better with scale/technology; this business is better with scale in a lot of ways). Only a few top/big players will be needed in this industry as technology evolves + sizable institutional investors should directly invest (no one likes extra fees/carry). - Low morale across the firm as fund sizes have been shrinking every year for most of the platforms (VC is okay; note that Silicon Valley's hate for FoFs is indeed growing so should be wary) - Sticks with old ways of executing most things at the firm - Talent retention (others have said this here but the management turnover has been bad) bad due to many factors including location and the fact that the industry is generally declining. The most competent seniors have left for better opportunities/firms. - Not transparent with information regarding the firm or prospects.