Median executive compensation rose 7% QoQ in Q1 and 10% YoY, setting new compensation highs in Thrive’s dataset. The increase in comp is mostly attributed to larger bonuses (up 22% QoQ and YoY), and continued comp momentum among PE and late-stage VC. Within PE, comp is up 25% YoY and has seen near-linear growth on a quarterly basis since Q1 2023. Series D+ VC-backed hires have experienced similar dynamics—comp is up 15% YoY and has been growing each quarter. The trends here seem to match macro developments, which include VCs putting more capital into their most-promising late-stage investments to salvage some 2021-era deals and discussions heating up around the need for better talent strategies within PE.