Portfolio Principal - Octopus Ventures (Apollo)

Octopus Ventures is one of the largest and most active venture investors in Europe, with £1.5 billion under management and investing over £100 million a year. Our typical investment ranges from £1 million for Seed to £20 million for Series C, and we can continue to fund the companies we back right through to IPO.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Portfolio Principal to join our team with a focus on B2B software. This role is pivotal in overseeing, optimising, and driving the performance of portfolio companies, particularly those requiring strategic growth interventions, preparation for exit, operational or financial restructuring, or other adjustments to strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Portfolio Management: Manage a diverse portfolio of venture or growth investments, focusing on driving value creation and enhancing the position of the fund’s investments.
• Value Maximisation and Liquidity: Identify, recommend, and implement strategies for portfolio assets to maximise returns, coordinating with the funds’ investment operations and finance teams, and drive to exit when optimal.
• Strategic Improvements: Work directly with portfolio companies’ management teams to identify performance gaps and implement strategic changes to enhance growth and profitability.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain active relationships with portfolio company boards, executives, and stakeholders, offering guidance, resources, and support for effective strategies.
• Investment Recommendations: Conduct in-depth analysis to support follow-on investment decisions, including preparing Investment Committee papers and being involved in related investment decisions.
• Market Analysis & Research: Keep abreast of industry trends, economic conditions, and competitive landscapes to inform and adjust portfolio strategies as needed.
• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare and input into regular reports on portfolio performance, highlighting key operational metrics, potential risks, and strategic recommendations for senior management and investors.

Qualifications:

• Significant experience in unquoted investment portfolio management, turnaround management, or driving operational performance within venture capital, private equity, or a similar asset class.
• Experience within the B2B software space would be an advantage.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, with a deep understanding of valuation, financial analysis, and operational performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead portfolio company management teams and Boards, especially from a minority investor perspective.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to the needs of portfolio companies across different stages of growth and industry sectors.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with a history of successfully navigating challenges and improving performance.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, bonus, pension, and share incentive plan.
• Untracked holiday.
• Hybrid working – our people spend 3 days a week in the office.
• Anchor wellness hub, including 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.

At our core, we believe that how a company behaves is just as important as what it does. 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.