Adams Street Partners→
Associate, Co-Investments at Adams Street Partners in Chicago, IL
Skills
Job Description
Adams Street Partners (“Adams Street”) is a global private markets investment manager that has nearly $70 billion* in assets under management. The firm is 100% employee-owned, which fosters a positive and unique culture of collaboration, intellectual rigor, integrity, and a commitment to professional development. For the eighth year in a row, Adams Street was named one of Pension & Investments’ Best Places to Work in Money Management in 2025.
Employees operate as a single global team, integrating the expertise of the firm’s investment professionals across five strategies: primary investments, secondary investments, growth equity, private credit, and co-investments. Adams Street is considered a private markets pioneer and was inducted into the Private Equity Hall of Fame in 2000.
The firm was founded more than 50 years ago, and clients include leading public and corporate pension plans, foundations, endowments, insurance companies, registered investment advisors, and high net worth individuals worldwide.
Adams Street has offices in Abu Dhabi, Austin, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Munich, Menlo Park, New York, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.
*Firmwide AUM as of December 31, 2025 was $69.9bn; does not include the more recent private credit closings or private credit leverage which may be discussed herein or is available upon request. AUM since that date is in excess of $70bn as a result of more recent fund closings.
About the Co-Investment Team
The Co-Investment Team at Adams Street invests directly into companies alongside leading private equity managers. The team has a broad, global mandate that invests in companies of all sizes, industries, and geographies. The firm has been an active co-investor, having committed over $7 billion to 300+ companies since 1989. The Co-Investment Team is currently investing out of its sixth dedicated co-investment fund as well as capital from multiple other Adams Street funds of funds and separately managed accounts. The team leverages the firm’s knowledge base and relationships across the primary, secondary, private credit, and venture/growth teams. The Co-Investment Team’s disciplined and balanced approach to investing has generated exceptional long-term returns for our investors.
The Co-Investment team is actively seeking an Associate to function as an integral member of the team with responsibilities including new investment evaluation, deal execution, portfolio monitoring and general team support. The team’s co-investment mandate offers candidates a significant level of responsibility and the unique opportunity to be involved in many aspects of investing a highly diversified portfolio varied by industry, geography, and company size. This is an ideal position for a candidate seeking broad private equity exposure with a specific focus on investing directly in companies. Individual responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the investment execution process, including company/industry specific due diligence, analyzing LBO models, and assisting in the preparation of investment memoranda
- Take a lead role in quantitative and qualitative analysis of financial and operating data
- Portfolio monitoring and maintaining internal investment tracking databases
- Supporting fundraising activities and managing client-facing marketing materials
- Providing general team project management support and firm-wide ad hoc projects
- Internal reporting and analysis
We seek an individual who is self-disciplined, demonstrates creative thinking and has the following characteristics:
- Graduated from a top-tier undergraduate university
- 2-4 years of relevant work experience in private equity, investment banking, buy-side investment analysis, consulting or sponsor finance
- Advanced excel skills with the knowledge of valuation techniques and financial modeling
- Ability to structure and present complex ideas and information in a simple persuasive form, both written and oral
- Strong analytical, modeling, organizational and writing skills
- A professional presence combined with relationship and communication skills to interact effectively with internal and external parties
- A highly motivated, self-starter with the ability to work independently within a team context
Note this is expected to be a 2–3-year position, with the potential opportunity for further promotion for exceptional candidates. Adams Street is currently seeking one Associate for an immediate start.
We offer a competitive U.S. benefits package designed to support health, financial security, and work-life balance. Highlights include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) with immediate vesting and employer match; profit sharing; flexible spending accounts (FSA); and paid parental leave, including adoption. Employees also receive generous paid time off, commuter benefits, employer-paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance, and access to additional voluntary benefits.