Founder's Associate

Founder's Associate

Trainee 25000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the development of a £100M fund and manage exciting events.
  • Company: Dynamic finance firm focused on deep tech and women's progression in venture capital.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship from industry veterans, and clear career progression.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and networking.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in venture capital and make a real impact in the tech ecosystem.
  • Qualifications: Recent graduate or 2-3 years in a fast-paced environment with strong organisational skills.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.

This finance firm is seeking an exceptional individual for their 12-month Founder's Associate Programme, offering an immersive route into venture capital and the deep tech ecosystem. This role provides direct access to senior leadership while supporting the development of a £100M target fund focused on backing women fund managers investing in frontier technology startups. Working directly with the Founder and Managing Partner, you'll take on real responsibility from day one across events management, fund thesis development, and ecosystem building. At the nine-month mark, there's potential progression to an Investment Associate role on the deal team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end delivery of the firm's events calendar including LP dinners, GP roundtables, and education programme launches
  • Manage guest lists, venues, run-of-show coordination, follow-ups and CRM maintenance
  • Support development and refinement of the investment thesis and fund model
  • Conduct research, build presentation materials, and maintain financial models
  • Track competitor and market data for LP conversations
  • Serve as operational engine for three education programmes and community initiatives
  • Coordinate cohorts, university and corporate partnerships, and community engagement
  • Handle coordination and follow-up tasks essential to small fund operations

Skills & Experience

  • Fresh graduate considering consulting or graduate schemes, or 2-3 years experience in startup or fast-moving environment
  • Strong team player with self-motivated and dynamic approach
  • Genuine interest in deep tech, frontier tech, and women's progression in venture capital
  • Exceptional organizational skills with ability to complete projects thoroughly
  • Strong research capabilities to analyze new markets, technologies, and fund managers
  • Clear, efficient writing skills
  • Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and fund modeling
  • Experience with AI tools including LLMs and Claude
  • High level of discretion for handling confidential information
  • Love for continuous learning

Why This Role Stands Out

  • Direct daily mentorship from 25+ year deep tech and VC veteran
  • Access to mentorship from three additional seasoned Partners with extensive leadership experience
  • Front-row seat to building, raising, and running a first-time fund
  • Exposure to LPs, GPs, founders, and senior figures across the UK deep tech ecosystem
  • Structured 12-month programme with clear progression pathway
  • Genuine opportunity to advance to Investment Associate role
  • Hybrid working arrangement with flexibility between Cambridge and London

Application Process

Submit your CV along with a brief note addressing two key points: identify one frontier or deep tech sub-sector you believe is currently underrated and explain why, plus articulate your interest in this firm and timing in your career.

Compensation

£25,000-£30,000 base salary depending on experience and location

Format

12-month programme with potential permanent progression

Location

Hybrid working with regular time in Cambridge or London, some travel required

Founder's Associate employer: Senna

This finance firm offers an exceptional opportunity for growth and mentorship within the venture capital and deep tech sectors. With a structured 12-month Founder's Associate Programme, employees benefit from direct access to senior leadership, a hybrid working arrangement between Cambridge and London, and a clear pathway to advance into an Investment Associate role. The company fosters a dynamic work culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, making it an attractive employer for those passionate about supporting women in venture capital and frontier technology.

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Contact Details:

Senna Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Founder's Associate

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the venture capital and deep tech space. Attend events, join relevant online communities, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Founder's Associate role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for deep tech! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your thoughts on underrated sectors or technologies. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also shows that you're genuinely interested in the field.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to venture capital and the specific responsibilities of the role. Think about how your skills align with the job description and be ready to discuss your experiences in events management and research.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and are keen to be part of the exciting journey in building a £100M fund focused on women fund managers.

We think you need these skills to ace Founder's Associate

Event Management
Fund Thesis Development
Research Capabilities
Financial Modelling
Data Analysis
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight relevant experiences, especially those that showcase your organisational skills and interest in deep tech. Tailor it to reflect the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Nail the Key Points Note:When addressing the two key points, be concise but insightful. Choose a frontier or deep tech sub-sector you genuinely believe in and back it up with solid reasoning. Show us why you're excited about this role and how it fits into your career journey.

Show Your Passion for Deep Tech:We want to see your enthusiasm for the deep tech ecosystem! Use your application to demonstrate your genuine interest in women's progression in venture capital and how you can contribute to our mission. Let your passion shine through!

Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Senna

Know Your Deep Tech

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in deep tech and frontier technology. Research underrated sub-sectors and be ready to discuss why they excite you. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out.

Master the Art of Organisation

Given the role's focus on events management and coordination, demonstrate your exceptional organisational skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.

Showcase Your Research Skills

Be prepared to discuss how you approach market research and analysis. Bring along insights or data you've gathered about competitors or emerging technologies that could be relevant to the firm’s investment thesis.

Engage with the Team Spirit

As a strong team player is essential for this role, come ready to share experiences that highlight your collaborative nature. Discuss how you’ve worked effectively in teams, especially in fast-paced environments, to show you’re a good fit.