At a Glance
- Tasks: Evaluate and execute tech acquisitions while collaborating with senior investment professionals.
- Company: Join an AI-native tech holding company transforming B2B software for the future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and direct exposure to high-impact transactions.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with significant responsibility and autonomy from day one.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI-powered software acquisitions and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years in M&A or similar roles; strong analytical and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
About Shop Circle
Shop Circle is an AI-native technology holding company that acquires and scales mission-critical B2B software, evolving it for the AI era. We focus on software powering the physical world, serving 200,000+ companies worldwide and enabling them to work smarter, scale faster, and stay ahead. Shop Circle is backed by leading global institutional investors and is building one of the most active software acquisition platforms globally.
The Role
We are looking for a high-calibre Investment Associate to join our M&A execution team on a full-time, permanent basis. The role can be based in London, with a hybrid working model. You will work closely with senior investment professionals across the full M&A lifecycle, from sourcing and evaluation to execution and post-acquisition value creation. This is a hands-on role with direct exposure to live transactions across Europe and North America, offering significant responsibility and ownership from day one. This is an opportunity to join a fast-scaling, AI-powered software group and help shape how mission-critical software companies are acquired, evaluated, and transformed in the AI era.
What You’ll Do
- Evaluate and execute technology acquisitions across multiple geographies.
- Screen inbound and proprietary opportunities against our investment framework to determine which targets the team should focus on.
- Lead financial modelling, valuation analyses, and investment return assessments.
- Conduct and coordinate due diligence across financial, tax, tech/AI, legal, and commercial workstreams, working with internal stakeholders and external advisers.
- Prepare investment memos and materials for internal investment committees and the Board.
- Support negotiations of transaction structures, SPAs, and related documentation alongside Legal.
- Work closely with Finance, Product, Legal, AI, and Value Creation teams before and after acquisition.
- Contribute to origination efforts, including market mapping, target screening, and broker/adviser relationship management.
- Support post-acquisition value creation initiatives, including performance tracking, strategic projects, and AI transformation opportunities.
What We’re Looking For
- 3–6 years of full-time experience in M&A, investment banking, private equity, corporate development, transaction services, or a similar investment role.
- Strong exposure to M&A execution, including financial modelling, valuation, due diligence, and transaction process management.
- Software, technology, or SaaS sector experience is a strong plus; alternatively, a demonstrable interest in technology, software, and AI is essential.
- Prior exposure to software or technology transactions is a plus.
- Experience with small- and mid-cap M&A transactions is a plus.
- Sell-side execution experience is a strong plus.
- Strong financial modelling, valuation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to manage complex workstreams independently and deliver under tight timelines.
- High attention to detail, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to interact confidently with senior stakeholders.
- Intellectually curious, commercially minded, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
- Based in London or willing to relocate.
- Fluency in English is required. Italian is a strong plus. Additional European languages, especially French, Spanish, or German, are a plus.
What You’ll Get
- Direct exposure to end-to-end M&A transactions in a high-volume, high-velocity acquisition environment.
- Significant responsibility and autonomy from day one.
- The opportunity to help build one of the most active AI-powered software acquisition platforms globally.
- Close working relationship with the CEO, CFO, COO, and other senior stakeholders.
- Exposure to software, AI, and value creation across a growing portfolio of mission-critical B2B software companies.
- Competitive compensation aligned with experience, plus long-term career progression opportunities.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are intellectually curious, execution-driven, and eager to operate at the centre of a fast-scaling software group, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and help build the next generation of enterprise software infrastructure.
Investment Associate in London employer: Shop Circle
At Shop Circle, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an Investment Associate in London, you'll enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive compensation, and the chance to work closely with senior leaders on impactful M&A transactions in the fast-evolving AI software sector. With ample opportunities for professional growth and direct involvement in shaping the future of mission-critical software, Shop Circle is the ideal place for ambitious individuals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Associate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent deals. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for AI and software. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your background and why you’re the perfect fit for the Investment Associate role. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to see your enthusiasm and expertise shine through.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Shop Circle.
We think you need these skills to ace Investment Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Investment Associate role. Highlight your M&A experience, financial modelling skills, and any tech-related projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and software, and how your experience makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis and valuation, make sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Mention specific tools or methodologies you've used in past roles that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at Shop Circle!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shop Circle
✨Know Your M&A Basics
Brush up on your M&A fundamentals, especially financial modelling and valuation techniques. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied these skills in past roles, as this will show your hands-on experience and understanding of the process.
✨Showcase Your Tech Savvy
Since Shop Circle focuses on AI and software, demonstrate your knowledge of the tech landscape. Bring examples of how you've engaged with technology or software transactions, and express your enthusiasm for AI advancements in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex workstreams. Think of specific instances where you successfully navigated challenges in previous roles, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Engage with Senior Stakeholders
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as you'll need to interact with senior professionals. Prepare insightful questions about the company’s strategy and vision, showing your interest and engagement with their mission.
