Associate 2027

Associate 2027 

Location: Kansas City (on-site)

ABOUT FIVE ELMS

Five Elms Capital is a growth investor in AI-forward software platforms, providing flexible capital with deep operational expertise to accelerate growth, build enduring market leadership, and scale to successful outcomes.

Founded in 2007, we have over $3 billion in assets under management, more than 80 investments globally, and are currently investing out of our $1.1 billion sixth fund.

Headquartered in Kansas City, our 75+ person team pairs humility and hustle with curiosity, creativity, and a bias for action to create a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture.

WE OFFER A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN PRIVATE EQUITY

Five Elms is growing its investment team by hiring an Associate with ties to the Midwest and the desire to live and build a career in Kansas City. We offer a unique opportunity analyzing and making investment decisions on hundreds fast growing software businesses globally each year. As an Associate, you are expected to think critically, work comfortably with entrepreneurs and senior-level executives, manage the diligence and closing process, and support companies post-close with limited guidance and oversight. Associates play a key role in the development of our Analysts by providing training, mentorship, and management of their work. This is not a 100% heads down financial modeling role. While you will be expected to analyze unstructured data to define key operating metrics and build a detailed operating model, you will also be expected to speak with customers and industry experts to build theses around market opportunities, and build relationships with C-level executives.

FUNDING GROWTH-STAGE BUSINESSES IS REWARDING WORK

Our associates are responsible for both deal origination and deal execution, so an ability to engage with entrepreneurs while representing Five Elms will be key in your success. Deal origination is the lifeblood of our organization and allows us to stand out in a crowded market. Sourcing new investment opportunities will be a crucial function of the role.

You have the right experience. You are a top performer with 2+ years of investment banking or direct investing experience.

You are highly motivated. Outstanding academic credentials, relevant work experiences, high attention to detail, emotional intelligence, and interesting experiences are table stakes. You will be a part of a competitive environment, so you can learn and evolve your thinking.

You are a great communicator. You are articulate with strong writing, interpersonal, and phone skills. You generate activity, facilitate effective meetings, and communicate findings and recommendations in a succinct and actionable format. Strong business writing is fundamental.

IS FIVE ELMS RIGHT FOR YOU?

At Five Elms, we look for team members who are naturally curious, eager to learn, and driven to make an impact from day one. You might be a strong fit if you:

• Are excited to learn how great software businesses are built and scaled
• Take ownership of your work and aren’t afraid to ask thoughtful questions
• Enjoy analyzing markets, digging into data, and solving complex problems
• Want exposure to live deals, founders, and portfolio strategy early in your career
• Care about quality, details, and continuous improvement
• Thrive in a collaborative environment where feedback is frequent and growth is constant

We're committed to investing in your development, offering mentorship, deal exposure, and a front-row seat to what it takes to build world-class companies.