At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investments and support portfolio companies in sustainability-focused sectors.
- Company: Global venture capital firm dedicated to climate and circularity.
- Benefits: Competitive compensation and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and networking.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and shape the future of sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in venture capital and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Our client is a highly capitalised global venture capital investor focused on sustainability, carbon circularity and the broader energy transition. The fund invests primarily at Series A & B stage across climate, industrial innovation and sustainability-driven sectors, with a strong emphasis on active portfolio ownership and value creation. Following continued growth, the business is seeking a Principal with a portfolio-first mindset, ideally from a corporate venture capital or growth investing background, to take a leading role across portfolio management, board engagement and selective investments. This is a hands-on portfolio leadership role within a mission-led, commercially driven investment platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading selected investments from origination through execution
- Taking board and observer seats across portfolio companies, acting as an active partner to founders and management teams
- Owning portfolio value creation plans, including growth strategy, commercial scaling, partnerships and operational execution
- Driving ongoing portfolio performance management, supporting CEOs through key strategic and operational inflection points
- Working closely with portfolio companies to unlock strategic and corporate partnerships, particularly across industrial and energy transition ecosystems
- Supporting fundraising processes and helping portfolio companies position for follow-on capital
- Contributing to portfolio construction thinking and thematic development across the fund
- Building strong external networks across corporates, industrial players and sustainability ecosystems
Requirements
- Strong venture capital, growth investing or corporate venture capital track record, with a clear focus on portfolio management and value creation
- Demonstrable experience sitting on boards or acting as a board observer
- Proven ability to work closely with management teams on scaling, strategy and execution
- Strong interest in sustainability, circularity, industrial decarbonisation and science-led innovation
- Technical or science-based academic background (engineering, physical sciences or related disciplines preferred)
- Experience in venture capital, CVC, growth equity or a highly relevant adjacent environment
Principal employer: Finatal
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and innovation in the heart of London. With competitive compensation and a strong focus on employee growth, team members are empowered to take on significant responsibilities in a mission-driven environment, fostering both personal and professional development. The opportunity to engage directly with portfolio companies and contribute to impactful investments makes this role not only rewarding but also pivotal in shaping the future of sustainable ventures.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the sustainability and venture capital space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to express your genuine interest in sustainability and circularity. Share your thoughts on current trends and how you can contribute to their mission. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Prepare for the Spotlight
Before any interview, do your homework! Understand the company’s portfolio, their investment strategies, and recent news. We want you to come across as knowledgeable and engaged, so prepare some insightful questions to ask them too.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your experience in venture capital and sustainability. Highlight any relevant roles where you've managed portfolios or worked closely with management teams, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about sustainability and circularity. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to value creation in previous roles, as we love seeing that hands-on approach.
Showcase Your Network:We value strong external networks, so mention any connections you have within the sustainability ecosystem. This could be corporates, industrial players, or other VCs – it all counts!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our mission-driven team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Finatal
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the portfolio companies of the venture capital firm. Understand their business models, challenges, and how they align with sustainability goals. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Your Board Experience
If you've sat on boards or acted as a board observer, be ready to share specific examples. Discuss how you’ve added value in those roles, particularly in terms of strategy and operational execution. This will demonstrate your capability to take on a hands-on leadership role.
✨Highlight Your Network
Networking is key in venture capital. Be prepared to talk about your connections within the sustainability and industrial sectors. Share how these relationships could benefit the firm and its portfolio companies, especially in unlocking strategic partnerships.
✨Passion for Sustainability is Key
Make sure to convey your passion for sustainability and circularity during the interview. Share any relevant projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in. This will resonate well with the firm's mission-led approach and show that you’re aligned with their values.
