At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify and evaluate strategic investments in early-stage startups for CHANEL's innovation strategy.
- Company: Join CHANEL, a global leader in luxury, known for elegance and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive compensation, professional growth, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of luxury and make a global impact through innovative projects.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in venture capital or investment banking with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
About CHANEL
CHANEL is a private company and a global leader in the luxury industry. Renowned for its timeless creations and iconic products, CHANEL continues to be a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and innovation. We are dedicated to creating the future of luxury, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting‑edge technology to offer exceptional experiences to our clients worldwide. Our commitment to excellence, creativity, and the unique spirit of Gabrielle Chanel drives our passion for beauty, fashion, and savoir-faire.
About the role
The Investments Lead, Open Innovation will play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic investments in early‑stage startups that align with CHANEL’s long‑term innovation strategy. This role sits within the Open Innovation team, dedicated to exploring new technologies, business models, and partnerships that can enhance CHANEL’s position as a leader in luxury. The successful candidate will be instrumental in building a robust portfolio of strategic investments, driving value creation, and fostering collaborative relationships within the startup ecosystem.
What you’ll do
- Investment Sourcing & Due Diligence: Proactively identify and source investment opportunities in early‑stage startups relevant to CHANEL’s strategic priorities (e.g., sustainable materials, immersive experiences, personalization, digital retail, Web3). Conduct comprehensive due diligence, including market analysis, competitive landscaping, financial modeling, technology assessment, and team evaluation. Prepare detailed investment memos and present recommendations to the Open Innovation team and senior leadership.
- Deal Execution & Portfolio Management: Lead deal structuring, negotiation of terms, and legal documentation in collaboration with internal and external counsel. Manage the investment process from initial contact to post‑investment monitoring. Actively support portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance, facilitating introductions, and identifying opportunities for collaboration with CHANEL’s business units. Monitor portfolio performance, track key metrics, and prepare regular reports for stakeholders.
- Ecosystem Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with venture capitalists, accelerators, incubators, entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. Represent CHANEL at industry events, conferences, and pitch days to enhance our presence and attract high‑potential opportunities. Contribute to the strategic development of CHANEL’s Open Innovation initiatives.
What you’ll bring
- Experience: 8+ years of experience in venture capital, corporate venture capital, private equity, or investment banking, with a focus on early‑stage technology investments. Demonstrated track record of successfully sourcing, evaluating, executing, and managing investments. Strong understanding of startup ecosystems, disruptive technologies, and emerging business models. Experience in the luxury, retail, or consumer goods sectors is a plus, but not essential.
- Skills: Excellent analytical, financial modeling, and valuation skills. Strong negotiation and deal‑making abilities. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex investment theses to diverse audiences. Strategic thinker with a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. Fluency in English is required; additional languages (e.g., French) are a plus.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. MBA or CFA is a plus.
What CHANEL can offer you
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to the future of a legendary brand and shape the luxury industry’s innovation landscape.
- Global Impact: Work on international projects and collaborate with diverse teams across the globe.
- Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning, development opportunities, and career advancement within a global luxury leader.
- Collaborative Culture: Join a passionate and supportive team dedicated to excellence and creativity.
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive package that recognizes your expertise and contributions.
Venture Capital Job – Investments Lead, Open Innovation – CHANEL in London employer: Chanel
CHANEL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of luxury through meaningful work in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from continuous learning and career advancement while working on international projects that have a global impact. The competitive compensation and benefits package further underscores CHANEL's dedication to recognising and rewarding the expertise and contributions of its team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Venture Capital Job – Investments Lead, Open Innovation – CHANEL in London
✨Get Involved in Finance Communities
Join investment and asset management forums or local finance meetups. Engaging with professionals in these circles can not only help you learn the ropes but also put you in touch with potential employers like Chanel, who often scout for talent at such events.
✨Utilise Networking Platforms
Connect with professionals already working in asset management on platforms like LinkedIn. A personal message showing your interest in their role or asking for advice can lead to significant connections that might tip the scales in your favour at companies like Chanel.
✨Show Off Your Financial Skills
Consider contributing to investment blogs or even creating your own content. Sharing your insights and analyses can demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry, making you stand out when applying for roles at organisations like Chanel.
✨Engage with Recruitment Events
Attend finance recruitment fairs and expos. These events are perfect for making a strong impression with recruiters and potentially securing interviews. Many companies, including Chanel, attend these events to scout for fresh talent, so make sure you stand out with your enthusiasm and knowledge!
We think you need these skills to ace Venture Capital Job – Investments Lead, Open Innovation – CHANEL in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In asset management, it's all about the numbers! Make sure your CV showcases your analytical skills, particularly any experience with financial modelling or quantitative analysis. Employers like Chanel want to see how you can dissect data and turn it into actionable insights, so don't hold back on your achievements!
Show Off Your Relevant Qualifications:Having the right qualifications can be a game changer in investment roles. If you've got a degree in finance, economics, or a related field, flaunt it! Also, if you have any certifications like CFA or CAIA, mention those too. It’ll help demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field to Chanel.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Reflect Passion for Investment:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the investment world. Share why you're drawn to asset management and your understanding of market trends. The hiring team at Chanel will be keen to see that passion and how you keep up with industry news and developments.
Quantify Your Achievements:Don’t just tell them what you did - show them! When detailing your previous experience, include quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact. Whether it’s percentage growth on a portfolio or cost savings in a project, these figures will help your application stand out to Chanel. Numbers speak louder than words!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chanel
✨Brush Up on Financial Modelling
For a role in investment asset management, being well-versed in financial modelling is crucial. Make sure you can articulate your experience with tools like Excel or any specialised software you've used. Maybe even prepare a couple of examples of financial models you've built or analysed.
✨Know Your Investment Strategies
Expect questions around different investment strategies and how you would apply them in various market scenarios. Get ready to discuss current market trends and how they impact portfolio management. This shows you're not just about the theory but also keeping an eye on real-world applications.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Since this is a full-time role, companies like Chanel want to see your analytical thinking in action. Prepare to solve case studies or tackle some numerical puzzles during the interview. Practicing these types of questions will boost your confidence and show off your skills.
✨Discuss Your Long-Term Career Goals
As you’re applying for a full-time position, the interviewers will be interested in your commitment to the field. Be ready to discuss how this role fits into your long-term career plans in asset management. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in growing withChanel.
