Associate, Primary

About HarbourVest Partners

HarbourVest Partners is a global investment firm specializing in private markets with a focus on primary fund investments. The company has built a reputation over more than four decades as a leader in identifying and investing in high-quality private equity, growth equity, and venture capital managers worldwide. With offices across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and Asia, HarbourVest manages capital on behalf of institutional investors, endowments, and other sophisticated investors seeking exposure to private markets. The firm is known for its rigorous due diligence process, deep manager relationships, and commitment to delivering impactful investment solutions. HarbourVest operates with a collaborative culture characterized by low employee turnover and high engagement, reflecting a commitment to creating a collegial working environment. The company values entrepreneurial thinking, diversity, and innovation, encouraging its team members to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s growth and success. HarbourVest is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that promotes mutual respect among all employees and recognizes the value of different perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, the firm actively works to create an environment where all professionals can thrive and advance their careers in the private markets industry.

About this Role

HarbourVest is seeking an Associate to join its EMEA Primary Investment Group in London. This role focuses on evaluating and analyzing fund investment opportunities across the Private Equity, Growth Equity, and Venture Capital markets. The position plays a crucial part in the firm’s investment decision-making process by conducting comprehensive due diligence and developing detailed investment analyses. As an Associate, you will be responsible for meeting with fund managers who are raising capital, conducting thorough performance analytics including benchmarking analyses, and underwriting portfolio companies. You will develop and articulate investment theses to senior investment professionals and present opportunities to the firm’s global Investment Committee. The role involves conducting reference calls with portfolio companies and performing independent research to support investment evaluations. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical capabilities with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations. You should possess excellent quantitative skills with deep proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. A solid understanding of private equity markets and financial expertise is essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate proven leadership skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within teams, and a strong capacity to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical to success in this position.

Responsibilities

• Perform due diligence on Private Equity, Growth Equity, and Venture Capital managers and fund opportunities
• Prepare detailed performance and benchmarking analyses
• Participate in manager diligence meetings and conduct reference calls with portfolio companies
• Conduct independent research to support investment evaluations
• Source and evaluate new Private Equity, Growth Equity, and Venture Capital fund opportunities
• Develop investment theses and present key findings to senior professionals
• Prepare diligence materials and present opportunities to the global Investment Committee
• Complete special projects for internal usage and client requests, including industry research and market updates
• Prepare materials for HarbourVest’s Annual Meeting and other client meetings
• Monitor primary fund investments through attendance at annual meetings
• Review quarterly and annual reports from portfolio companies
• Participate in portfolio update calls as required
• Build and enhance relationships with fund managers
• Source and refer interesting direct equity, credit, and secondary opportunities internally
• Facilitate and assist with the initial assessment of referred opportunities
• Build and expand personal network and knowledge base through meetings and collaboration with HarbourVest professionals

Requirements

• 2-3 years of strong professional experience in private equity, asset management, manager research, investment consulting, investment banking, or related financial services
• Demonstrated excellence in analytical reasoning and quantitative analysis
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in team-based settings
• Demonstrated interest in Primary fund investing
• Strong analytical capabilities with ability to synthesize recommendations based on analysis with strong attention to detail
• Strong quantitative skills with deep experience in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
• Good knowledge of private equity markets and financial expertise
• Proven leadership skills and ability to succeed working independently and in collaborative teams
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (preferred)

Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility
• 18 remote workdays per quarter available for discretionary use subject to manager approval
• Opportunity to work 4 days per week in office with one remote day weekly, plus additional remote days as needed
• Collegial work environment marked by low turnover and high energy
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity
• Opportunities to build on strengths and acquire new skills and experiences
• Collaborative, open-door culture
• Access to continuing professional development through meeting and working with industry professionals

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