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We're currently in the midst of the largest wealth transfer in history; an estimated $11T of baby-boomer-owned businesses are set to change hands this decade.

Mainshares backs the next generation of operators transferring into the owners’ seats. We work with them to identify acquisition opportunities, provide capital, and support their transition to ownership.

We’re on a mission to ensure the future of America’s small business economy. We believe in its importance for creating wealth and building prosperous communities.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Senior Associate to join our Acquisitions Team. This role is a key function within our organization, supporting the evaluation, structuring, and execution of small business acquisitions across industries and geographies.

You’ll work directly with senior leadership on live deals and contribute across the full transaction lifecycle: from sourcing and diligence to closing and post-acquisition support. The ideal candidate has experience in investment banking or private equity and is looking to apply those skills in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with real exposure to ownership transitions and small business operations.

Responsibilities

• Support transaction execution from initial evaluation through close

• Build and own detailed financial models and return analyses

• Conduct market and industry research to inform investment theses

• Participate in diligence calls, seller meetings, and deal negotiations

• Draft investment memos and internal presentations

• Help build and maintain relationships with brokers, lenders, and sellers

• Contribute to internal process improvements and deal evaluation frameworks

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, or search fund investing

• Strong financial literacy and modeling/valuation skills (LBO, DCF, comps, etc.)

• Deep understanding of M&A transaction structures and key terms

• Comfortable navigating ambiguous, fast-moving deal situations

• Excellent communicator and relationship builder, able to manage many stakeholders at once

• Passionate about the American small business economy and excited by the chance to help in the generational ownership transfer

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field

• Self-starter with high standards, low ego, and a bias toward action

Nice-to-have

• A builder’s mindset - we’re constantly growing and improving our processes

• Familiarity with the small business segment, economics, and industries

• Experience with SMB acquisitions, independent sponsor deals, or ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition)

• Familiarity with CRM tools, deal tracking software, or proprietary sourcing

If you don’t tick every box above, we’d still encourage you to apply. We’re building a diverse team whose skills balance and complement one another.