Private Equity Associate

About the Role

FVLCRUM Funds is a growth-focused private equity firm based in Bethesda, Maryland. The firm invests in lower middle-market businesses and aims to deliver attractive returns while helping broaden opportunity in communities that are often underserved. Its investment approach is grounded in capital markets discipline and long-term value creation, with an emphasis on building companies that generate both financial performance and meaningful social impact through close collaboration with management teams.

What You’ll Do

This pre-MBA Associate role is based in the Bethesda office and covers the full investment lifecycle. The position involves evaluating, executing, and monitoring investments across platform and add-on acquisitions, as well as supporting portfolio companies after closing.

• Originate, assess, and assist with the structuring and execution of M&A transactions, including both new platform investments and add-on acquisitions.
• Conduct investment analysis, due diligence, underwriting, and financing work, including building financial models.
• Partner with portfolio companies on strategic and financial initiatives, including defining, tracking, and managing KPIs and other core metrics.
• Track and report on portfolio company performance after investment.
• Join meetings with management teams, M&A intermediaries, and financial institutions.
• Support exit and monetization efforts, such as recapitalizations and sale processes, along with other capital events.

What the Firm Is Looking For

The ideal candidate brings strong analytical thinking, sound business judgment, and a professional presence. The role suits someone who has already been exposed to valuation, M&A modeling, and leveraged transactions, and who is comfortable working directly with senior stakeholders across portfolio companies and transaction processes.

• Experience in investment banking, accounting, transaction services, and/or private equity.
• Strong capability in financial analysis, modeling, and quantitative problem-solving.
• Clear writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Professional maturity, strong work ethic, and a high level of personal accountability.
• Excellent organization, willingness to learn, and the ability to manage several priorities at once.
• Motivation to contribute early in the growth of an entrepreneurial firm.

Qualifications

• Advanced financial modeling and analytical ability, including strong Excel skills and comfort with financial analysis tools.
• Interest in investing and private equity, along with familiarity with valuation approaches and capital structures.
• Exposure to due diligence work, including review of financial statements, market data, legal documents, and operational materials.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related area; an MBA, CFA, or similar credential is considered an advantage.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, management consulting, or M&A corporate development preferred.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to prepare polished presentations and investment materials.
• High integrity, close attention to detail, and comfort working in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
• Collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with executives, internal teams, and external partners.