Building a career in Investor Relations in Private Markets
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Once viewed as a support function, Investor Relations has now become a critical role and function in private equity and alternative investment firms, driving both fundraising and investor engagement.
IR is dynamic, shaped by fund size, strategy and market conditions. During fundraising, IR professionals manage investor queries, prepare marketing materials and coordinate with internal teams to collate relevant information regarding fund performance, investment strategies and portfolio. Outside of fundraising, they maintain investor relationships, oversee reporting and organise key meetings. Fast-paced and multifaceted, IR requires technical expertise, strategic thinking and strong communication skills.
Missed our recent webinar on careers in Investor Relations? Listen to the recording here
Catch up on our recent webinar hosted by Julia from PER, where four accomplished professionals from Vitruvian Partners, ICG, General Atlantic and Campbell Lutyens shared their career journeys and advice for transitioning into investor relations and fundraising. Designed for early-career professionals from investment banking, asset management and related fields, this session offers practical insights into building a successful career in private markets.
Pathways into IR
Many professionals transition into IR from investment banking, consulting, or audit roles. While investment banking provides financial modeling and deal execution experience, audit backgrounds offer strong analytical and organisational skills that translate well into the role. What sets IR apart is its broader focus, requiring professionals to work across teams and maintain a deep understanding of both investment strategy and investor sentiment.
What makes a strong candidate for IR?
- Commercial awareness: Understanding how private markets operate and how firms position themselves to investors
- Relationship-building skills: IR is fundamentally a people-driven role, requiring strong interpersonal abilities
- Technical knowledge: While IR professionals may not actively build models, they must understand financial analysis to communicate effectively with investors
- Time management and prioritisation: Balancing multiple investor requests and internal deadlines is critical
How to transition into IR
For those considering a move into IR, firms are looking for more than just technical competence.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and a genuine interest in private markets
- Leverage transferable skills from banking, audit, or investment roles, particularly financial analysis and strategic thinking
- Network strategically: Many IR roles are filled through referrals and industry connections
- Showcase a commercial mindset: Firms want professionals who can think beyond execution and contribute to investor engagement strategies
The evolution of an IR career
The career trajectory in IR typically aligns with the fundraising lifecycle, with professionals gaining more responsibilities as they develop expertise. The role also offers flexibility, with some professionals moving into:
- Co-investments and capital advisory: Working closely with investors on structured investment opportunities
- Wealth management and family offices: Advising retail investors on private market allocations
- Product management roles within private markets: Overseeing fund strategies and structuring new investment vehicles
Day-to-day responsibilities
The day-to-day role in IR varies significantly depending on the firm’s fundraising cycle and investor base.
- During fundraising cycles, IR teams are focused on investor outreach, due diligence and preparing marketing materials. Managing multiple investor relationships and ensuring smooth communication is critical
- Outside of fundraising, IR teams handle ongoing investor engagement, quarterly reporting and strategic product positioning for future fund launches and fundraises
- For junior IR professionals, the work can range from preparing investor materials, responding to ad hoc client queries, managing data rooms and CRM systems and carrying out market research
The future of IR: technology and perception
As private markets expand, IR is no longer viewed as a cost centre but as a vital revenue-generating function. Top firms are investing heavily in their IR teams, recognising their role in driving capital flows and firm growth.
Additionally, AI and automation are starting to shape the IR landscape. Firms are exploring tools to streamline reporting processes and automate investor queries. However, the human element of IR remains irreplaceable - relationship-building, strategic communication and investor trust cannot be automated.
Additionally, AI and automation are starting to shape the IR landscape. Firms are exploring tools to streamline reporting processes and automate investor queries. However, the human element of IR remains irreplaceable - relationship-building, strategic communication and investor trust cannot be automated.
Investor Relations in private markets offers a dynamic and evolving career path for those with a mix of financial acumen, communication skills and strategic thinking. For professionals seeking a role with broad exposure, strong career progression and a commercial focus, IR is an exciting and influential space to be in.
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