analyst 可以理解为为partner收集情况，分析信息，从这个意义上讲可以理解为partner的助理。凡是给他工作的都somehow assist him to get the job done. So, everyone is an assistant. 但是从job title上来说，他不是assistant. Partner可能另有assistant，处理一些杂事。
第二个问题，你可以直接问他们。Why do you want to invest into a direct competitor of your portfolio company?
