At a Glance
- Tasks: Find and support the next generation of exceptional founders in the startup ecosystem.
- Company: Join The Bridge, a pioneering venture fellowship connecting European talent with Silicon Valley.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship, access to a vast network, and potential funding for your own startup.
- Other info: Experience a dynamic role with autonomy and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, shaping the future of startups and innovation.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates eager to learn, network, and make an impact in the startup world.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Bridge is the fastest way for Europeans to build massive companies in San Francisco from scratch. At Entrepreneurs First, we’ve spent over a decade refining how to identify the most talented potential founders around the globe, help them build teams, ideate and raise funds from the world’s best VCs. The portfolio we’ve built this way is now worth over $15bn.
San Francisco is the most competitive startup ecosystem in the world - if you can win there, you can win globally. It has forged the most valuable companies to ever exist; for those that want to build something generational, there’s no better place to found. That has led us to The Bridge: combining the best European talent with a decade of company-building knowledge, and bringing it to the SF ecosystem. Cohorts of 40-50 founders, living, working and building companies together from scratch, in a house in San Francisco. 8 weeks to go from nothing, to a funded startup. This will be the place the next $100bn company gets created.
At The Bridge (and 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 building out their startup network, venture capital, 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
- Find the world’s next greatest founders: develop and execute theses on where extraordinary talent emerges.
- Sourcing talent in Europe: you will spend approximately eight months of the year working intensely on finding great people that we want to invest in.
- Shaping talent and companies in San Francisco: you will spend approximately two to three months of the year in San Francisco, supporting the people we’ve invested in, to build their founding teams and figure out the ideas they want to work on.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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 and back you with capital to take it.
Venture Fellowship (London) - The Bridge 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 (London) - The Bridge
✨Get Involved with Local Startups
Head to local startup events, meetups or hackathons in your area. These gatherings are goldmines for networking and can help us meet potential employers and mentors. Plus, you might even find a little gem of a startup like Entrepreneurs First looking for a trainee!
✨Showcase Your Ideas
One great way to stand out is by pitching your own startup ideas or participating in competitions. This kind of visibility can really catch the eye of places like Entrepreneurs First, showing them you’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit they crave in a trainee.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university’s career services. They often have partnerships with startups and may facilitate introductions or offer information on opportunities at places like Entrepreneurs First. Don’t shy away from those connections!
✨Direct Applications Matter!
Don't just rely on online listings; reach out directly to startups like Entrepreneurs First. Craft a personalised message expressing your enthusiasm for their work and mention how you can contribute. We all love a proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Venture Fellowship (London) - The Bridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion for Startups:In your cover letter, we want to see your enthusiasm for the startup scene. Share any relevant experiences, projects, or ideas that highlight your passion. Whether it's a side hustle or volunteering for a local startup, let us know what drives you in this fast-paced world!
Highlight Versatile Skills:Startups thrive on a diverse skill set, so make sure your CV reflects that! Showcase any skills in areas like marketing, product development, or data analysis. It's all about being adaptable, so if you've dabbled in multiple disciplines, flaunt it!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:When applying for a trainee position at Entrepreneurs First, personalise your CV to match the job description. Focus on relevant coursework, projects, or internships that align with what we’re looking for. This shows us you know what we do and how you fit into the puzzle.
We Love Fresh Ideas:Include any innovative concepts or solutions you've worked on in your application. In the startup world, creativity is key! If you've come up with ideas that tackle a problem or improve a process, we want to hear about them. This tells us you can think outside the box.
How to prepare for a job interview at Entrepreneurs First
✨Show Your Passion for Startups
When you're prepping for your interview with Entrepreneurs First for the trainee role, channel your inner entrepreneur! Be ready to share your enthusiasm for the startup scene—perhaps you've followed inspiring founders or have your own ideas brewing. Showing that you're genuinely interested in the entrepreneurial journey can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Get Familiar with Agile Methodologies
In the fast-paced world of startups, agile methodologies are often the order of the day. Brush up on concepts like sprints or user stories, and be prepared to discuss how you would apply these in a real-world scenario. Showing that you understand these frameworks will impress your interviewers at Entrepreneurs First and demonstrate that you can adapt quickly.
✨Think on Your Feet
Expect a few curveball questions during your interview. Startups often want to see how you think under pressure. Try some mock interviews with friends where they throw unexpected scenarios your way, and work on justifying your thought process. This will help you stay calm and articulate your thoughts clearly at Entrepreneurs First.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, your potential is your biggest asset. Be ready to discuss what you hope to learn from the role at Entrepreneurs First and how you plan to develop your skills. They’ll want to see that you’re eager to soak up everything like a sponge, so showcase any relevant projects or experiences, even if they’re from university or personal initiatives.
