Visiting Analyst

We are a VC fund focused exclusively on pre-seed investing: bringing discipline, diligence, dedication and depth of thought to an intentionally low volume of investments. We exist to nurture the most promising founders of today to build the category-defining companies of tomorrow. Our pre-seed to Series A graduation rate is 78%, approximately 4x the industry average.

Our team is a mix of angel investors, operators, founders, engineers, lawyers, bankers, accountants, professional poker players, salespeople, product managers, biochemists and marketeers who share a deep passion for startups. Since 2013, our founders have raised over $3bn of follow-on capital from the world’s best specialist and multi-stage funds. Our fund performance puts us in the top quartile against US and European benchmarks, and we are consistently ranked amongst the best firms in Europe by the people that matter most to us: founders. In Founders Choice anonymous polling, we were voted 3rd best VC fund in Europe.

Your Role: As we enter the fourth year of investing from our £70m third fund, we’re looking for a visiting analyst to join the investment team. You’ll be on the frontline of all aspects of our investing activities, giving you significant exposure to the European startup ecosystem. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a small team, build your network and kickstart your career in VC.

You will have access to our full investment process, from early founder conversations through to Investment Committee and supporting our portfolio. This will involve supporting the team with reviewing inbound pitch submissions and outbound founder profiles. As companies progress, you’ll support the team on due diligence by conducting extensive research and synthesising and analysing your findings as you contribute to writing our investment memos. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in organising events, writing content and supporting our social media strategy, giving you the broadest possible exposure to the work of our firm.

Playfair has a long track record of previous visiting analysts going on to join other VC firms full time, become operators, or even pursue further studies. The application deadline is Sunday, February 8th at midnight. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the role can start from March.

Requirements:

• You’re passionate about startups and eager to learn how we help founders build the future.
• You thrive with high levels of ownership, autonomy and responsibility.
• You’re into creative problem-solving and have strong oral and written communication skills.
• You’re high energy and proactive but equally low ego are our full firm values.
• You’re available for a full time 1-year programme and to work from our coworking space in Farringdon at least three days a week.

Full access to the investment team to learn the venture business from the inside. Salary: £35,000 per annum. Statutory pension. £50 per month wellness credits through Heka. Regular team socials and occasional team away trips. 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (pro-rata).