Driehaus Capital Management Reviews

Pros

There was room to grow as an intern before potentially working there full time

Cons

At times it felt stagnant, like we had nothing to do. But you were heard if you spoke up about it

Pros

Overall experience for professional career

Cons

Can't use them as a reference

Pros

very nice working environment, nice people

Cons

Lack of leadership and vision

Pros

Incredible talent pool. Hard working. Successful Independently owned. HR and Senior Management that cares very much about employees thoughts and morale. A CEO with great vision who takes the time to know each and everyone of the employees. Very diversified in products and employees. Very unique work place An owner who is very involved in the company. Company events that help provide great comradely between the employees and different departments - Many of these events allow spouses/significant others/a date.

Cons

Really nothing that sticks out other than a multiple train/bus commute if coming from the suburbs. I have been in the business 27 years, and have never seen a work environment more employee conscious than the one at Driehaus. The success of the firm is a direct result of the employees. And the avg longevity of employees careers at Driehaus speaks for itself.

Pros

As a current Driehaus employee that has been at the firm for a long time, I felt compelled to write a review to say that Driehaus is a great place to work (it seems as if only those that don’t succeed at Driehaus write reviews here). Driehaus is a smaller company with about 100 employees but most people don’t know that around half of our employees have been here more than five years (including most of the PMs). Tenure is consistent across all departments of the firm – including investment management and research. The only way a company can retain talent is by providing an environment where people can develop and thrive.

Cons

Driehaus is not the place for everyone! In order for you to succeed you have to be driven, a self-starter and very passionate about our business. There is a lot of opportunity for those that are willing to work hard and commit to their careers.

Pros

Most people are nice and friendly. Hours are flexible but be prepared to put your time in.

Cons

Turnover of equity analysts is extremely high. On average the firm lets 20% of analysts go within three years. Portfolio managers are given a free-pass and equity analysts are frequently blamed for performance relating to poor portfolio decision making. Strategies have under performed by 300-400 basis points annually for the past five years. Equity AUM is in precipitous decline as a result of the under performance. Management is not afraid to let people go at moments notice. And they force you to sign a contract indemnifying them from all wrong doing upon termination by threatening to have your bonuses being clawed back. Hard to see dedicated colleagues go, firm has let at least 4 equity analysts go in past twelve months including a junior analyst only days after he pulled out a mortgage. That's how cut throat this firm is. O and did I mention the CEO is a crook and was fired from Bank of America for lack of integrity in 2003.

Pros

Friendly collegiate work environment, good benefits and paid time off (health insurance and generous about holidays), booming Fixed Income/Credit hedge fund arm (safer part of the business), Work events to foster relationships

Cons

Extremely high turnover of research analysts compared to industry. Four analysts have let go by the firm in the past twelve months. Equity AUM in precipitous decline due to poor decision making by portfolio managers over multiple years. Pay is lower than industry for junior and mid level analysts.

Pros

Hands on experience, Be prepared to learn fast on the job, Friendly work environment, Flexibility in hours but be prepared to put your time in

Cons

Not afraid to kick you out the door at moments notice if they want to "shake up" the investment teams, Benefits and Pay are both below industry averages (no 401k match, limited travel budgets, won't reimburse for CFA, ok healthcare plan), WARNING: High level of Hierarchy, difficult to advance without a high level of tenure at the firm

Pros

- Awesome culture: welcoming, down to earth, and hardworking employees who care a lot about Driehaus' success. - Competitive pay and benefits, and fun after work events every few months - Small company, family type feel

Cons

- None that I can think of. The company is located within a Mansion, which provides beautiful décor, but there is not a large lunch room for employees to gather. That would be nice.

Pros

A lot of tenure at the Firm, competitive benefits (top of the line healthcare and wellness program a plus), tend to promote from within, collaborative working environment and a great group of people to work with.

Cons

Don't always get to see other employees due to the layout of the buildings. In addition, office space can be a bit of a challenge. Also, some people don't have much experience outside of Driehaus.