Valuations Associate, Octopus Ventures - 12 month FTC

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.

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 selected 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 of this. 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. This role will evolve as we grow and develop. So, if you are looking for a challenge in a fast paced and dynamic business, we can deliver on that.

Additional Information

• A competitive salary and bonus.
• 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.

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.