At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the valuation process and analyse portfolio performance.
- Company: Join Octopus Ventures, a mission-driven investment firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, wellness support, and generous parental leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the venture capital space while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Valuation experience and strong Excel skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Octopus, we’re entrepreneurs and we’re investors, on a mission to back the people, ideas and industries that will change the world. We think working here is great, but we’re understandably biased. Explore Life at Octopus.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll play a key part in shaping the valuation process, reporting and analysis. Reporting into the Head of Ventures Valuations, you’ll help with the preparation of portfolio valuations, engage in the collection and analysis of portfolio company data, and be a key contributor to investment track record analysis.
The team
Understanding, monitoring and reporting on the performance of our portfolio companies post‑investment is an important function of our business. The valuations team was set up in 2022 as an independent function within Octopus Ventures and continues to grow and develop into an integral part of the fund operating and management processes. It is responsible for valuing all the portfolio companies we are invested in the Ventures’ funds.
We work closely with the investment managers to understand valuation drivers within our portfolio companies, the investment thesis, and company performance. We also work hand‑in‑hand with finance and operations teams to produce internal and LP reporting, Annual Reports, and other material key for Ventures’ stakeholder management.
What will you be doing?
- Portfolio Valuations
- Supporting the preparatory work for reporting valuations including internal information gathering, model roll‑forwards and taking on the project management of the process, including organising preliminary and review meetings with stakeholders and minute‑taking of portfolio review meetings.
- Preparation of individual portfolio company valuations, typically on a bi‑annual basis, which includes:
- Collation of portfolio data, gathering of relevant market comparables, valuation model building (including waterfall modelling).
- Preparation of valuation papers, including commentary on trading performance, justification for selected valuation methodology and input, additional commentary on triangulation.
- Preparation of materials required to support the valuation sign‑off process for the Valuation Committee, the Fund Board and the auditors.
- Attending Valuation Committee meetings as observer and be responsible for taking appropriate and accurate minutes of the discussion and conclusion.
- Taking responsibility for evidence gathering, filing and audit trails, including supporting on the audit and fund administration processes.
- Fund Performance and other reporting
- Preparation of regular analysis on fund performance and underlying drivers.
- Preparation of various analysis needed for marketing and financial reporting.
- Improving Models and Processes
- Supporting in the day‑to‑day execution and ongoing enhancement of all ventures valuations workstreams, including taking ownership of model improvements.
Qualifications
- Valuation experience essential – most likely in a consulting firm, some of which will have been spent working on portfolio valuations for private equity, venture capital or alternative investment space.
- ACA / ACCA qualified or CFA charter holder (preferred but not essential).
- An understanding of International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines.
- Superior Excel skills.
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t tick every box. What’s the worst that can happen?
Additional Information
- A competitive salary, bonus, pension and share incentive plan
- Untracked holiday
- Hybrid working – most of our people spend 3 days a week in the office
- Anchor (our wellness hub) which includes Headspace, one‑to‑one coaching through Wellness Cloud, Digital GP, Shout & more
- Up to 6 months paid parental leave regardless of gender
- Life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection
- Private medical insurance for you and your family
- Electric vehicle leasing
Our Values
At our core, we believe that how a company behaves is just as important as what it does. That’s why we chose to become an accredited B Corp (the equivalent of a Fairtrade coffee stamp but for companies) and to change our Articles of Association so that the interests of all our stakeholders – employees, customers, communities, environment and shareholders – are considered in every decision we make.
We are committed to building a workplace where diversity is valued, and inclusion is a priority. By providing equal opportunities for growth and development, we embrace and celebrate all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, ages, disabilities, and socio‑economic backgrounds. We believe teams achieve their best when every member feels safe, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves.
We're proud to be disability confident and are committed to supporting candidates with a disability, including neurodiversity and mental health conditions, throughout the recruitment process. Applicants are welcome to opt‑in to the disability confident scheme as part of our application process. If you require any adjustments to the interview process, we’ll be happy to accommodate where possible.
Valuations Associate, Octopus Ventures in London employer: Octopus Investments
At Octopus Investments, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration. Our South Central External Business Development Manager role offers not only a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements but also a vibrant work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Join us to build meaningful relationships in the financial services sector while enjoying generous benefits and the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Valuations Associate, Octopus Ventures in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Octopus Ventures on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their portfolio companies. Knowing the ins and outs of their investments will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to the valuation process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your Excel skills! Since superior Excel skills are a must-have, brush up on your modelling techniques and be ready to showcase them during the interview. Maybe even bring a sample project to discuss!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Octopus team.
We think you need these skills to ace Valuations Associate, Octopus Ventures in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Valuation Skills:Make sure to highlight your valuation experience in your application. We want to see how you've tackled portfolio valuations before, so share specific examples that showcase your skills and knowledge in this area.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the job description. Mention how your background aligns with our mission at Octopus and how you can contribute to the valuations team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octopus Investments
✨Know Your Valuation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your valuation methodologies and the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines. Be ready to discuss your previous experience in portfolio valuations, as this will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since superior Excel skills are a must for this position, practice building valuation models and performing data analysis. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've used Excel in past roles to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview.
✨Engage with the Team's Mission
Octopus Ventures is all about backing innovative ideas and industries. Familiarise yourself with their portfolio and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Interaction
Since you'll be working closely with investment managers and other stakeholders, think about how you can effectively communicate complex valuation concepts. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams in the past, as this will highlight your teamwork skills.
