Investment Associate/Analyst (Software/Physical Sciences)

The UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S) is a £105m government‑backed seed fund managed by Future Planet Capital, investing in early‑stage companies in sectors critical to UK economic growth. We invest at the earliest stages of company formation, often acting as a lead investor, and work closely with founders to build companies, crowd in private capital and scale breakthrough science and technology. This role sits at the centre of that activity. Analysts and Associates are not purely support roles — they are a core part of the execution engine of the Fund, working across sourcing, diligence, transactions and portfolio development.

The role offers early responsibility, exposure to senior decision‑making, and the opportunity to work across one of the most active deep‑tech investment platforms in the UK. You will work closely with Investment Directors and the wider team to:

• source and evaluate new investment opportunities
• lead elements of diligence and transaction execution
• contribute to building the UKI2S Fund platform and ecosystem
• support portfolio companies’ post‑investment activities

Core Responsibilities

Investment Activities

• Source and screen new opportunities from inbound and proactive channels
• Lead elements of due diligence (technical, commercial, market)
• Prepare investment materials for the Investment Committee
• Support transaction execution from initial engagement through to completion
• Engage with co‑investors and support syndicate formation

Portfolio Support

• Work with portfolio companies on key strategic and analytical projects
• Support fundraising processes and investor engagement
• Monitor company performance and identify key risks and opportunities

Platform and Ecosystem

• Contribute to UKI2S Fund origination strategy and network development
• Engage with universities, accelerators and partners
• Support development of data‑driven sourcing and internal processes

What Makes This Role Different

• Early‑stage focus: work on company formation and first institutional capital
• Real responsibility: meaningful involvement in deals and decisions from the outset
• Platform leverage: access to FPC’s broader network, data and co‑investor base
• Breadth and depth: exposure across multiple sectors and investment styles
• Mission‑driven investing: direct contribution to building UK science and technology companies

A Day in the Life

• Reviewing new inbound opportunities and forming an initial view on whether to progress
• Meeting founders from university spin‑outs or early‑stage startups to understand the technology and team
• Leading parts of due diligence, including market analysis, technical assessment and commercial validation
• Working with an Investment Director to shape an investment thesis and prepare materials for the Investment Committee
• Coordinating with co‑investors to build a syndicate and support a live funding round
• Supporting a portfolio company on a specific challenge such as fundraising strategy, market entry or financial planning
• Attending industry events, demo days or ecosystem meetings to source new opportunities and build relationships
• Engaging with the broader FPC platform, including investor relations, data and impact teams

Requirements

• Degree in engineering, physics, computer science or a related discipline
• Experience or strong interest in software, AI, or deep‑tech systems
• Ability to assess technical feasibility and scalability of products
• Interest in sectors such as defence, space, climate or advanced engineering

Core Skills

• 1‑2 years of work experience in a start‑up, consulting or large corporate
• Understanding of how to read financial statements (highly desirable)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability
• Ideally, some exposure to market research and market analysis using primary and secondary sources and ability to synthesize complex documents and concepts
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a fast‑paced team environment
• Commercial judgement and curiosity

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary of £40‑60k commensurate with experience, alongside a discretionary bonus linked to individual and fund performance and, in time, participation in the carried interest scheme.
• 10 % pension contribution
• Private healthcare insurance
• 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Access to training and professional development opportunities

Employees also benefit from being part of the broader Future Planet Capital platform, with exposure to a wide network of investors, founders and sector experts.

Closing date for applications is 31st May 2026.

Equal Opportunities

Future Planet Capital is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We believe that a range of perspectives strengthens decision‑making and leads to better investment outcomes. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or socio‑economic background. We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process and will make reasonable adjustments where required to support candidates through the application process. We actively encourage candidates from under‑represented groups and/or non‑traditional backgrounds to apply, even if you meet most of the criteria but not all of it. We’re more interested in curiosity, rigour, and potential than a CV that fits a mould.

Future Planet Capital is committed to integrating diverse and inclusive practices across all areas of the business, including, but not limited to, the diversity of the fund and founding teams and following inclusive hiring practices. We are part of the Diversity VC community and working towards the Diversity VC Standard and are committed to building a strong culture and being a conscientious employer.