Wisdom. Clarity.
Confidence. Results.

We identify and cultivate talent for investment teams.

What We Do

We connect investment firms with premier talent by identifying exceptional candidates and enhancing their capabilities through rigorous, hands-on training. Our goal is to be the partner of choice for leading firms and top-performing professionals.

Placement Services

Associate Training Services

What We Do

Placement Services

Associate Training Services

What We Do

Placement Services

Associate Training Services

Who We Work With

Firms

We partner with firms looking for driven, high-potential professionals who are committed to developing the technical, strategic and interpersonal skills that set them up for long term success.

Candidates

We cultivate lasting relationships with candidates built on trust, transparency, and shared commitment. From the initial search to career advancement, we remain a dedicated partner every step of the way.

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Who We Work With

Firms

We partner with firms looking for driven, high-potential professionals who are committed to developing the technical, strategic and interpersonal skills that set them up for long term success.

Candidates

Learn More

Who We Work With

Firms

We partner with firms looking for driven, high-potential professionals who are committed to developing the technical, strategic and interpersonal skills that set them up for long term success.

Candidates

Learn More

Our Team

A recruiting firm built by M&A and private equity professionals, leveraging real deal experience to identify and qualify top-tier talent. We leverage our M&A experience to identify quality candidates who can excel in a deal environment.

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Our Team

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Our Team

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What People Are Saying

"I had the pleasure of working with Dave at Palm Tree. He has a remarkable ability to grasp the needs of the business, not only from a strategic perspective, but also through the lens of people and culture. He seamlessly connects business priorities, talent, and execution with clarity and purpose.

His blend of business insight, empathy, and innovative thinking makes him an exceptional partner to any organization focused on growth and building a strong, people-centered culture."

~ Tiffany Francis, PE Talent Acquisition Strategist
"Athena's teaching style boils-down the complexities of private equity into a logical, thoughtful framework. Athena has an amazing ability to convey the complexities of private equity in a clear, meaningful format.

I admire how Dave and Montana maintain an even-keeled composure no matter what is thrown their way throughout the deal cycle. It is something that I try to emulate."

~ Steve Browne, Senior Associate, Platinum Equity
"The training was a foundational step in my career. It gave me a clear understanding of the full M&A lifecycle, from sourcing and diligence to modeling, deal execution, and portfolio support. It prepared me for an investment banking role and continues to serve me well as a venture growth investor.

Dave is one of the best instructors I’ve worked with - incredibly knowledgeable and great at breaking down complex topics into a step-by-step, digestible format. Whether you're trying to break into finance or deepen your understanding of how deals actually get done, this training is an invaluable resource."

~ Koby Tseng, Investor, Innovius Capital

“I entered college as an aerospace engineering student until I discovered my passion for investment banking. However, I had no clear path to break into the field until I had Athena's help. Even though I had already begun my MS in Finance, Athena taught me more in 8 weeks than I had learned throughout my 4 years in college.

Athena equipped me with the real-world experience and insights that school was missing. Without their guidance, I would have never landed my investment banking role at Citi.”

~ David Luner, IB Analyst, Citi
"I had the pleasure of working with Dave as he oversaw all strategic, operational, and talent initiatives in his former role as Managing Director at Palm Tree LLC.

Dave is exceptionally thoughtful, engaging, and mission driven as both a leader and culture builder. Dave’s energy and authenticity inspired strong buy-in across the organization, enabling the attraction of top talent and the growth of those within."

Zach Frey, Vice President, Connect Search
“Dave is, without a doubt, the best teacher I've had in my professional career.

Now in investment banking, I still frequently draw upon the lessons I learned in Athena's bootcamp. Beyond the classroom, Dave is a phenomenal mentor who genuinely cares about his students' success. Athena's lessons are an invaluable investment for any aspiring M&A professional looking to gain a competitive edge and excel in the field.”

~ Flint Craig, IB Analyst, Lazard

What People Are Saying

"I had the pleasure of working with Dave at Palm Tree. He has a remarkable ability to grasp the needs of the business, not only from a strategic perspective, but also through the lens of people and culture. He seamlessly connects business priorities, talent, and execution with clarity and purpose.

His blend of business insight, empathy, and innovative thinking makes him an exceptional partner to any organization focused on growth and building a strong, people-centered culture."

~ Tiffany Francis, PE Talent Acquisition Strategist
"Athena's teaching style boils-down the complexities of private equity into a logical, thoughtful framework. Athena has an amazing ability to convey the complexities of private equity in a clear, meaningful format.

I admire how Dave and Montana maintain an even-keeled composure no matter what is thrown their way throughout the deal cycle. It is something that I try to emulate."

~ Steve Browne, Senior Associate, Platinum Equity
"The training was a foundational step in my career. It gave me a clear understanding of the full M&A lifecycle, from sourcing and diligence to modeling, deal execution, and portfolio support. It prepared me for an investment banking role and continues to serve me well as a venture growth investor.

Dave is one of the best instructors I’ve worked with - incredibly knowledgeable and great at breaking down complex topics into a step-by-step, digestible format. Whether you're trying to break into finance or deepen your understanding of how deals actually get done, this training is an invaluable resource."

~ Koby Tseng, Investor, Innovius Capital

“I entered college as an aerospace engineering student until I discovered my passion for investment banking. However, I had no clear path to break into the field until I had Athena's help. Even though I had already begun my MS in Finance, Athena taught me more in 8 weeks than I had learned throughout my 4 years in college.

Athena equipped me with the real-world experience and insights that school was missing. Without their guidance, I would have never landed my investment banking role at Citi.”

~ David Luner, IB Analyst, Citi
"I had the pleasure of working with Dave as he oversaw all strategic, operational, and talent initiatives in his former role as Managing Director at Palm Tree LLC.

Dave is exceptionally thoughtful, engaging, and mission driven as both a leader and culture builder. Dave’s energy and authenticity inspired strong buy-in across the organization, enabling the attraction of top talent and the growth of those within."

Zach Frey, Vice President, Connect Search
“Dave is, without a doubt, the best teacher I've had in my professional career.

Now in investment banking, I still frequently draw upon the lessons I learned in Athena's bootcamp. Beyond the classroom, Dave is a phenomenal mentor who genuinely cares about his students' success. Athena's lessons are an invaluable investment for any aspiring M&A professional looking to gain a competitive edge and excel in the field.”

~ Flint Craig, IB Analyst, Lazard

What People Are Saying

"I had the pleasure of working with Dave at Palm Tree. He has a remarkable ability to grasp the needs of the business, not only from a strategic perspective, but also through the lens of people and culture. He seamlessly connects business priorities, talent, and execution with clarity and purpose.

His blend of business insight, empathy, and innovative thinking makes him an exceptional partner to any organization focused on growth and building a strong, people-centered culture."

~ Tiffany Francis, PE Talent Acquisition Strategist
"Athena's teaching style boils-down the complexities of private equity into a logical, thoughtful framework. Athena has an amazing ability to convey the complexities of private equity in a clear, meaningful format.

I admire how Dave and Montana maintain an even-keeled composure no matter what is thrown their way throughout the deal cycle. It is something that I try to emulate."

~ Steve Browne, Senior Associate, Platinum Equity
"The training was a foundational step in my career. It gave me a clear understanding of the full M&A lifecycle, from sourcing and diligence to modeling, deal execution, and portfolio support. It prepared me for an investment banking role and continues to serve me well as a venture growth investor.

Dave is one of the best instructors I’ve worked with - incredibly knowledgeable and great at breaking down complex topics into a step-by-step, digestible format. Whether you're trying to break into finance or deepen your understanding of how deals actually get done, this training is an invaluable resource."

~ Koby Tseng, Investor, Innovius Capital

“I entered college as an aerospace engineering student until I discovered my passion for investment banking. However, I had no clear path to break into the field until I had Athena's help. Even though I had already begun my MS in Finance, Athena taught me more in 8 weeks than I had learned throughout my 4 years in college.

Athena equipped me with the real-world experience and insights that school was missing. Without their guidance, I would have never landed my investment banking role at Citi.”

~ David Luner, IB Analyst, Citi
"I had the pleasure of working with Dave as he oversaw all strategic, operational, and talent initiatives in his former role as Managing Director at Palm Tree LLC.

Dave is exceptionally thoughtful, engaging, and mission driven as both a leader and culture builder. Dave’s energy and authenticity inspired strong buy-in across the organization, enabling the attraction of top talent and the growth of those within."

Zach Frey, Vice President, Connect Search
“Dave is, without a doubt, the best teacher I've had in my professional career.

Now in investment banking, I still frequently draw upon the lessons I learned in Athena's bootcamp. Beyond the classroom, Dave is a phenomenal mentor who genuinely cares about his students' success. Athena's lessons are an invaluable investment for any aspiring M&A professional looking to gain a competitive edge and excel in the field.”

~ Flint Craig, IB Analyst, Lazard