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Small Co. CTO vs. Hedge Fund Contract vs. Investment Bank Perm

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    Small Co. CTO vs. Hedge Fund Contract vs. Investment Bank Perm

    As the title pretty much says, I'm trying to compare three offers I have on the table as to which to take, and would like some opinions...

    1. CTO at small company (23 people). Salary is 18% lower than my last permanent role and doesn't include a pension (my last perm employer gave 10% pension). It's also outside of finance/investment banking which is where I've been the past four years. However, includes 1% (+ 1% matched) equity vestable in three years. I would be responsible for the product roadmap and effectively the success of the company!

    2. Contract at a highly reputable investment management company/hedge fund. Similar rate to what I'm on now. Exciting work - Greenfield, front office.

    3. Perm role at large reputable investment bank where I've worked before. Existing project I know of - not exciting, back office. But it's through a mate who got me the job and working with people I know and am well established there already. Salary similar to my last perm role.

    Then, two other potential offers in the pipeline with the same company as 3. above that are contracts in front office similar to the rate I'm on now, but these are not offers yet (still have interviews to go).

    Any thoughts or opinions?...

    #2
    42

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      #3
      Originally posted by Neo View Post
      3. Perm role at large reputable investment bank where I've worked before.
      Surely thats a myth?

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        #4
        I had a mate who did well with equity stake. Got 0.6% - after 1 year he got 600k! Was it MF who did badly?

        I work at a hedge fund - its like the Wild West. All hedge funds are similar.

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          #5
          Based on your posting history I would avoid any options that involve being a contractor IMO.
          'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

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            #6
            BrilloPad is working in a Hedge Fund at the moment.

            He may post if he can be arsed.
            "I can put any old tat in my sig, put quotes around it and attribute to someone of whom I've heard, to make it sound true."
            - Voltaire/Benjamin Franklin/Anne Frank...

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              #7
              JamJarSt...
              Predictable. Boring.

              BrilloPad...
              Yes, but some IBs or some departments within IBs are like the Wild West, too. Where I am now (an IB) is exactly like that! MF?

              northernladuk...
              Mod note: what did I say?
              Last edited by cojak; 6 December 2012, 13:02. Reason: Change this again Neo and you'll get your wrist slapped.

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                #8
                Quite a desirable predicament you have there. I would take the first offer, because it would give you total autonomy and gives you the possibility of earning a large amount money, and it seems it has the most direct effort = reward relationship out of the offers. If you work hard and make a success of it, you will be lauded with glory.

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                  #9
                  lol @cojak comment

                  LatteLiberal - yes, you may be right. I just don't know if I'm up for such a risk with such unknown factors.

                  If they sell the company for £10m in three years, I get £200k. Not worth the risk given my contracting rate over the same period. But if it sold for £50m, I get £1m. That would be worth it! Crystal ball anyone?

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                    #10
                    Originally posted by Neo View Post
                    lol @cojak comment

                    LatteLiberal - yes, you may be right. I just don't know if I'm up for such a risk with such unknown factors.

                    If they sell the company for £10m in three years, I get £200k. Not worth the risk given my contracting rate over the same period. But if it sold for £50m, I get £1m. That would be worth it! Crystal ball anyone?
                    If you are the CTO and 'responsible for the product roadmap and effectively the success of the company!' you shouldn't be needing a crystal ball. You should be assessing the company and whether or not you can make it be worth £50m in three years. Am sorry to say, and I am not being abusive here, if your taking a position with this responsibility and you think a crystal ball is the answer then you are not cut out for that position. The decision on whether or not you take that position should be based solely on your ability to deliver.
                    'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

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