Pros
- High level of responsibility and ownership given to employees as trust is earned, not commonly found in the early phases of an investment banking career - Focus spans different areas of software and technology, providing a vast range of exposure to different areas of the industry and a breadth of clients - 100% remote which is uncommon in the industry and provides employee flexibility - Incredible experience talking to founders and CEOs from the early phases (first few months) at the firm. This work is typically reserved for Sr Associates / VPs at bulge bracket banks - Less emphasis on standard industry “pitching” and more focus on building relationships with founders and executing for our amazing clients, who often ‘buy in’ to Horizon’s value proposition from an earlier stage. Time isn’t spent wasted on ‘busy work’ - Access and mentorship from senior bankers / founders of the firm, uncommon at larger banks - Ability to “make your career” and grow within the firm, i.e., the opportunity is what you make of it.
Cons
- Small team which has its great benefits (responsibility, ownership, experience), but can also result in an increased pressure/expectation to perform at a high octane early on in one’s career - The fact that Horizon’s model is so different from the traditional investment banking model requires a different learning curve for new-hires and can be challenging to ramp - Hours can be long in addition to the expectation to always be “on call” and available, however, it makes it easier that the principals are willing to grind together with the Associates. I’ve personally worked with founders on all-nighters before