Investment Banking Associate

We are recruiting on behalf of a fast-growing, independent boutique investment bank based in Los Angeles, California. Founded by a team of seasoned middle market bankers with deep roots in the LA investment banking community, this firm is in an exciting early growth phase — assembling a lean, high-caliber team to execute on a growing pipeline of transactions.

The firm focuses primarily on sell-side M&A across the lower middle market, with additional activity in debt capital markets and select buy-side advisory work. Their clients are predominantly entrepreneur-owned businesses across a range of industry verticals including technology, consumer, and business services.

This is a genuine ground-floor opportunity at a firm being built by experienced, credentialed bankers who are committed to doing things the right way — and who are looking for a sharp, hungry Associate to grow with them.

The Role

The firm is looking to hire an Investment Banking Associate to fill a critical middle layer on the deal team, sitting between an existing VP and Managing Director level. This is not a siloed, one-sector role — you will get broad exposure across product groups and industry verticals from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Support execution of M&A, capital raising, and strategic advisory engagements from initial pitch through closing
• Build, maintain, and audit detailed financial models including operating models, valuation analyses, LBOs, public comps, accretion/dilution analyses, and precedent transaction analyses
• Draft and refine client-facing materials including pitch books, teasers, CIMs, management presentations, buyer lists, and process communications
• Manage due diligence workflows, virtual data rooms, diligence trackers, and multi-party coordination across clients, counterparties, legal advisors, and other stakeholders
• Conduct company, industry, buyer, and investor research to support transaction positioning and business development
• Support origination efforts through pitch preparation, market mapping, target identification, and outreach
• Review and provide guidance on analyst work product, ensuring high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and presentation quality
• Contribute to broader firm-building efforts including recruiting, training, and process development

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree with strong academic performance
• Series 79 and 63 licenses
• 2–6 years of investment banking experience with meaningful exposure to sell-side M&A, capital raising, or strategic advisory
• Demonstrated track record of supporting transactions from pitch through close
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to produce polished, client-ready materials
• High attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong process management
• Ability to operate with urgency, manage multiple workstreams, and stay composed under pressure
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, PitchBook, and standard IB tools

Benefits

• Base Salary: Up to $150,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Performance Bonus (tied to deal activity and firm performance)
• Leave: Unlimited PTO
• Additional: Wellness stipends, paid parental leave, and other benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Haldren and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Haldren or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Haldren and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Haldren and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Haldren and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Haldren and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Haldren and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.haldren.com.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Haldren and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Haldren and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Haldren and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Haldren and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Haldren and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Haldren or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.