At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into venture capital, talent spotting, and support startup founders on their journey.
- Company: Join Entrepreneurs First, a leading venture capital firm nurturing early career talent.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship, access to a vast network, and potential investment in your own startup.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy, creativity, and a dynamic environment with endless opportunities.
- Why this job: Launch your career in VC, become a startup operator, or even start your own company!
- Qualifications: Recent graduates eager to learn, network, and make an impact in the startup ecosystem.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Entrepreneurs First we back early career talent; this extends to our team as well as founders. Every year we back up to three people who are at the earliest stages of their careers to spend two years with us learning the ropes of venture capital, building out their startup network and getting an inside view on what world class company building looks like. At the end of the two years, we back the fellows to take their next step by actively helping them secure roles as either a full time investor, a startup operator or a founder.
Previous fellows have gone on to become Partners at EF, work in Tier 1 VC, become startup operators, run government agencies or founded their own companies.
What you'll do
- Work across the three core aspects of EF’s business: Talent, Form and Launch
- Talent: You will spend approximately eight months of the year working intensely on finding great people that we want to invest in. You will source them through doing deep work in both online and in person communities and you will hone your skill in convincing people to take the leap into founding.
- Form: You will spend approximately three months of the year supporting the people we’ve invested in to build their founding teams and figure out the ideas they want to work on.
- Launch: You will spend a week in person in San Francisco supporting the founders you’ve worked with as they prepare to raise their first round of investment after EF.
- Find outliers: develop and execute theses on where extraordinary talent emerges.
- Sharpen your judgment: continuously update your mental model of what exceptional founders and world-changing companies look like.
- Be a trusted partner to exceptionally talented people: advise on career moves, company creation, and fundraising.
- Influence investment decisions: contribute to EF’s selection of founders and teams for the portfolio.
What you’ll learn
- Talent spotting: how to assess raw potential before it’s obvious.
- Company building: team dynamics, idea validation, customer development, fundraising.
- Technical literacy: applied tech fluency across multiple fields.
- Investment thinking: pattern recognition, conviction building, and portfolio construction.
Outcomes you can aim for
- VC: Graduate into an associate role either at EF or externally, after building a rare edge in pre-seed sourcing and founder assessment.
- Operator: Join a fast growing startup in a high-leverage role with a deep network of technical founders.
- Founder: Use EF as your launchpad to start your own company with exceptional co-founders. We will invest in the company that a Venture Fellow builds if they complete their fellowship with us.
Who you are
- Early in your career (graduated within the last two years), hungry to learn by doing and ambitious.
- Intellectually curious: you dig for first principles, self-teach, and range across domains.
- Relentlessly driven: you find creative ways through walls; you own your outcomes.
- Network builder: you build meaningful relationships with exceptional people, peers and seniors alike.
- Discerning judge of talent: high standards; optimistic yet realistic about people’s potential.
- Tech-impact oriented: fascinated by how technology, especially via startups, changes the world.
Who this role is not for
- You want a structured 9-5pm job: Venture Fellows are network builders. This means they will need to attend and host events in order to meet the most exceptional people, and travel both nationally, and potentially internationally, to immerse themselves in talent clusters.
- You want a clear career path: The diversity and malleability of the role creates an unusual level of optionality.
- You want to be managed closely: You will be given an incredible degree of autonomy and creative control from a very early stage.
What success looks like by the end of your fellowship
- You’ve built a repeatable sourcing engine for exceptional early-career talent.
- Founders trust your judgment; you’ve shaped multiple successful EF teams.
- You contribute confidently to selection and investment debates with clear, evidence-based views.
- You’ve mapped your next step (VC, operator, or founder) and have credible options.
How we’ll back you
- You will directly influence capital deployment decisions within the first 12 months of your fellowship.
- You will receive direct mentorship from seasoned investors and advisors.
- You will get direct access to the EF alumni and investor network.
- We will find you your next step in your career.
Process
- First Interview with a Principal/Partner (30 minutes - online).
- Second Interview with a Principal/Partner (30 minutes - online).
- Task Interview with Principal/Partner (45 minutes - online, pre-work required).
- Selection Day with London leadership team (3 hours - onsite).
Overall timeline: three weeks from first interview.
Venture Fellowship in London employer: Entrepreneurs First
Entrepreneurs First is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and vibrant work environment in the heart of London. As a Fund Finance Associate, you will enjoy autonomy in your role while engaging with senior stakeholders, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the finance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Venture Fellowship in London
✨Join Startup Events and Meetups
Get involved in local startup events and networking meetups in your area. These are fantastic opportunities to meet founders and key players in the scene. Plus, they often have internship openings that aren't advertised anywhere else!
✨Connect with Startup Incubators
Reach out to local incubators and accelerators, like Entrepreneurs First might be involved with. They often have connections to startups looking for interns. Building relationships with these organisations can really help you land an internship.
✨Be Proactive and Follow Up
If you’ve applied for an internship at a startup like Entrepreneurs First, don't hesitate to follow up a week or two after applying. A polite email expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and keep you on their radar.
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Utilise platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to showcase your passion for startups and entrepreneurship. Share relevant content, engage with startup founders, and join discussions on platforms where startup enthusiasts hang out. This could definitely grab the attention of firms like Entrepreneurs First!
We think you need these skills to ace Venture Fellowship in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:When applying for an internship in a startup like Entrepreneurs First, it’s super important to highlight any entrepreneurial experiences you’ve had, even if they’re on a small scale. Whether it's a side project, a student-led initiative, or even a creative hobby, demonstrate your passion for innovation and willingness to take risks. We love seeing candidates who think outside the box!
Tailor Your CV to the Startup Vibe:In a field like startups and entrepreneurship, a one-size-fits-all CV just won’t cut it. Make sure to emphasise your skills that align with the hustle and versatility we value in a startup environment. Highlight any relevant coursework, skills in agile methodologies, or tools you’ve used like Lean Startup or Design Thinking. This will show you get what it means to work in this dynamic space.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're interested in the internship but also reflect your understanding of the startup’s mission and how you can contribute. Be specific about what excites you about Entrepreneurs First and what you hope to learn. Let your personality shine through - we want to see the real you!
Show Enthusiasm for Learning:As an intern, it’s all about growth, so don’t shy away from expressing your eagerness to learn new things. Use your application to share specific areas you’re passionate about and how this internship can help you develop those skills. At StudySmarter, we appreciate candidates eager to absorb information and contribute to our journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Entrepreneurs First
✨Show Off Your Passion for Startups
Startups thrive on enthusiasm and a can-do attitude. When you're chatting with Entrepreneurs First, let your excitement for entrepreneurship shine through. Share any personal projects or startup-related experiences you've had – it’ll show that you’ve got what it takes to contribute in a fast-paced environment.
✨Know Their Product Inside Out
It’s crucial to dive deep into what Entrepreneurs First does. Understand their product, their market, and what problem they're solving. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their offerings or streamline processes – startups often look for fresh perspectives, so don’t hold back on your ideas!
✨Flexibility is Key
In a startup, roles can be quite fluid and often require wearing many hats. Be prepared to discuss how you can adapt quickly and contribute in various ways. Share examples of times you've tackled unexpected challenges or taken on tasks outside your usual scope – it’ll show you're ready for the unpredictable startup life.
✨Network and Collaborate
Startups are all about collaboration. Before your interview, try connecting with people from Entrepreneurs First on LinkedIn or attend events where they might be. Mentioning these connections or shared experiences can help build rapport and show that you're already invested in their community.
