Fast-growing Star Mountain Capital has opened a search for a West Coast-based managing director for direct lending, as well as for four junior professionals and an executive assistant to the CEO to be located in the firm’s new Tampa office.
The New York City-based lender and secondaries investor recently has seen its payroll grow from some 65 full-time employees in early 2023 to more than 90, while its assets under management have topped $4 billion. The firm also has about 40 senior advisors and operating partners, as well as about 30 interns, for a total of about 160 people.
“Historical growth and then anticipated future growth are the two drivers” of hiring, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Brett Hickey told Private Equity Career News this week. “We believe there is a compelling market opportunity and that we have a strong demand from investors and business owners to want to grow with us.”
The planned West Coast hire, a private credit deal originator and underwriter working remotely, would join about 20 other managing directors at the firm. The other five roles are to be based at the firm’s Tampa, Florida office, which opened last year. More about the roles:
- Managing Director of Originations and Direct Credit Underwriting: With at least 12 years of relevant experience, the managing director will work on originations, direct credit underwriting and portfolio management from the West Coast, ideally in the Colorado to western Texas corridor. The managing director will lead investments in private credit, structured equity and control buyouts in businesses generating EBITDA of about $10 million to $30 million.
- Business Development Associate: This associate will support managing directors by identifying investment targets, conducting research and helping with client services. Applicants should have at least two years of experience related to finance, client services, financial services or sales.
- Client Services Associate: This associate will serve as a point of contact for investors, provide client services and manage post-transaction activities. It helps to have at least four years of relevant experience.
- Direct Credit Underwriting Analyst: This analyst will help with private credit, structured equity and control buyouts by preparing investment committee memos and financial models. Candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience.
- Financial Operations Analyst: This analyst will work on financial controls, fund accounting and investor reporting. Candidates should have at least three years of relevant work experience.
- Executive Assistant: The executive assistant to the CEO will manage schedules, arrange meetings and serve as a liaison with other stakeholders. Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant experience.
The Founder: Hickey founded a predecessor firm to Star Mountain Capital in 2004. He earlier served as an investment banker at Citigroup Global Markets. An accomplished speed skater growing up in British Columbia, Hickey also founded the Star Mountain Charitable Foundation to help create job opportunities for veterans, mothers and former athletes and to promote health and wellness. “You can expect to be part of a team that cares about the community,” Hickey said of the new hires.
The Firm: Star Mountain Capital pursues direct lending and secondary purchases of private credit and private equity assets in the U.S. lower middle market. Last year, the firm announced it had closed its fourth direct lending fund strategy, Star Mountain Strategic Credit Income Fund IV, at about $1.2 billion.
The Perks: In the interest of health and wellness, Star Mountain Capital employees have access to standing desks, walking pads, calf stretchers and gym memberships. The firm also shares carried interest profits with all of its employees. Along with New York City and Tampa, Star Mountain Capital has locations in Greenwich, Connecticut and at satellite or remote locations throughout the United States.