At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our investment team to evaluate and execute exciting startup investments.
- Company: Old College Capital, the University of Edinburgh’s venture investment fund.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40 days leave, flexible working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative startups and develop your career in venture capital.
- Qualifications: Experience in early-stage venture capital and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48137 - 58379 £ per year.
Join OCC’s investment team to help identify, evaluate and execute investments into high-potential University of Edinburgh–associated startups and spinouts (pre-seed to Series A). You will play a key role in building the fund’s investment pipeline, supporting due diligence and transactions, and working with portfolio companies post-investment. You’ll also support core fund operations, reporting and valuation activity, helping ensure the fund runs efficiently and delivers high-quality insights to stakeholders. This post is full-time (35 hours per week). We also support hybrid working on a non-contractual basis, offering a blend of home and on-site working to help you balance work and life effectively. The salary for this post is Grade 8 £48,137 - £58,379 per annum.
The experience and qualities we are looking for:
- Demonstrable interest and experience in early-stage venture capital, including supporting deeptech startups and the development of disruptive technologies (life sciences experience particularly welcomed).
- Strong capability in evaluating the financial, commercial, technological and operational potential of high-growth companies, using sound judgment and qualitative and quantitative analysis to make clear strategic recommendations.
- Excellent written communication in an investment context, with the ability to produce persuasive, clear and succinct analysis (e.g., investment memos and committee papers).
- Ability to support finance transactions with strong attention to detail—coordinating stakeholders and advisers, managing timelines, and handling documentation effectively.
- Collaborative, dynamic and proactive approach with strong IT skills (including Excel) and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
About Us
Old College Capital (OCC) is the University of Edinburgh’s venture investment fund and is part of Edinburgh Innovations, the University’s commercialisation service. OCC manages Edinburgh’s early-stage investment activities and shareholdings and supports the most exciting ideas and tech emerging from the University. Since starting as a pilot project back in 2011, OCC has been on a remarkable journey. From making just a few investments a year, the team now support over 75 transactions annually. We have a thriving portfolio with assets under management of £60M+, and we have ambitions to further scale our activity. OCC is part of Edinburgh Innovations (EI). Our culture is built on three core values: Collaborative, Progressive and Innovative. We believe the best results come from working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. We’re always looking forward, embracing change, challenging assumptions, and pushing boundaries to grow. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, encouraging creativity and fresh thinking at every level of the business. If you thrive in a team-driven environment that values bold ideas and continuous improvement, you’ll fit right in.
Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. At EI we celebrate diversity in all its forms and actively seek to create a team that reflects the communities around us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities because different perspectives make us stronger.
As a valued member of our team, you can look forward to:
- A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
- An exciting, positive, and creative workplace that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.
- A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holiday entitlement.
- A comprehensive benefits package, including a defined contribution pension scheme (currently 3.5/4.5% employee and 9/14.5% employer contributions), family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and more.
- Ongoing support to develop your skills, grow your career, and recognise your achievements.
About You
At EI, we look for people who live our core behaviours in everything they do. You work well with others, build strong relationships, and believe that teamwork drives better outcomes. You're curious, creative, and not afraid to challenge the norm to find smarter solutions. You take responsibility for your work, follow through on commitments, and are driven to deliver results. You seek feedback, grow from experiences, and are always looking to improve. You genuinely care about the impact of your work on colleagues, customers, and the wider community. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Application Information
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter that tells us why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit.
Right to Work
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. You will be required to provide documentation as part of the recruitment process to confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 14th of June 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:55pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will be held 22nd and 23rd of June.
Investment Executive employer: University of Edinburgh
Old College Capital (OCC) offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about early-stage venture capital. With a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, OCC supports its team members in achieving their professional aspirations while contributing to the exciting landscape of University of Edinburgh-associated startups. The culture at OCC is built on progressive values, encouraging creativity and teamwork, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Executive
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the investment scene! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from the University of Edinburgh. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with early-stage venture capital and deeptech startups. Share specific examples of how you've evaluated companies or supported transactions—this will show you're not just talk!
✨Be Prepared for Interviews
Do your homework on OCC and its portfolio companies before the interview. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our collaborative and innovative culture at OCC.
We think you need these skills to ace Investment Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your genuine interest in the role and how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for. Keep it clear, concise, and persuasive – we want to see your passion for early-stage venture capital!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Focus on your achievements in evaluating startups and any experience you have in deeptech or life sciences – we love seeing that!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, make sure your application materials reflect that. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We want to see that you can produce succinct analysis and investment memos!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at OCC!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Startups
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Edinburgh-associated startups and spinouts. Familiarise yourself with their missions, technologies, and market potential. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to evaluating and executing investments.
✨Master Financial Analysis
Brush up on your financial analysis skills, especially in the context of early-stage venture capital. Be prepared to discuss how you evaluate the financial, commercial, and operational potential of high-growth companies. Practising with real investment memos can give you a solid edge.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent written communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and succinctly. Prepare to present your ideas as if you were writing an investment memo or committee paper. This will demonstrate your ability to produce persuasive analysis under pressure.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
OCC values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past roles. Highlight your proactive approach and how you’ve contributed to team success. This will resonate well with their core values of being collaborative and innovative.
