Associate / Vice President, Sponsor Coverage

Equiteq•New York, NY

6d•$150,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

Equiteq is a global investment bank focused exclusively on the technology and consulting sectors. We advise founder-owned and PE-backed businesses on M&A transactions, helping clients maximize value at exit. Our sponsor coverage capability is a core part of our growth strategy, and this role is central to building it. We are building a disciplined, relationship-driven PE coverage function. The mission is straightforward: become the preferred M&A advisor for technology and consulting assets across the middle market by developing deep, trusted relationships with the private equity firms that own and acquire them, working in close partnership with our Banking and Business Development teams to deliver fully coordinated client engagement. This is a growth role, not a support function. You will own relationships, drive pipeline, and operate as a full partner in building something meaningful. The right person will grow into a leadership position as the capability scales.

Requirements

Direct experience at a private equity firm; you have operated inside the model, not just covered it from the outside
Deep fluency in middle market PE; deal structures, portfolio dynamics, investment theses, and exit timelines
An existing network of PE relationships; you have real connections, not just a contact list
A track record of building relationships that lead to commercial outcomes
High accountability – you follow up, close loops and don't need to be managed
Experience in technology or consulting M&A
Background in investment banking, growth equity, or strategic advisory
Comfort in a high-ambiguity, build-phase environment – you've started things before
Strong CRM discipline and data hygiene habits
You are a builder – you want to create something, not inherit a finished system
You have a strong point of view and you share it; with sponsors, with the team, with leadership
You are competitive without being political, you care about outcomes, not credit
You operate with urgency. You follow up. You close.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain active relationships with middle market PE firms across your coverage universe
Serve as a primary point of contact for covered sponsors; not a backup or liaison, while ensuring clear coordination with internal Banking and BD stakeholders on all key relationships
Develop a deep understanding of each firm's investment thesis, portfolio composition, and deal activity
Maintain rigorous CRM discipline with every interaction logged and every follow-up tracked
Convert sponsor relationships into deal flow: sell-side mandates, buy-side advisory, and co-advisory opportunities
Identify exit candidates within PE portfolios and position Equiteq as the advisor of choice
Partner with senior bankers to coordinate coverage of both the sponsor and portfolio company relationships
Contribute directly to the firm's PE-backed revenue targets, working as part of an integrated go-to-market team, rather than in isolation
Stay current on middle market PE activity: fund activity, portfolio moves, sector themes, and valuation trends
Bring genuine market perspective into every sponsor conversation – not just pitch materials
Use your PE background to engage sponsors as a peer, not simply as a banker asking for business
Help shape and refine the coverage model as it matures, including how Sponsor Coverage integrates with Banking and BD functions
Represent Equiteq at targeted industry events and PE-focused conferences
Operate with the discipline and accountability of a scaled coverage function, even as we build it, with a strong emphasis on cross-team collaboration and information sharing