At a Glance
- Tasks: Source breakthrough companies and connect with promising technical founders in your ecosystem.
- Company: Join First Momentum Ventures, a leading early-stage venture fund in Europe.
- Benefits: Gain real VC experience, build a powerful network, and accelerate your career.
- Other info: High-performing scouts can advance to Chapter Lead roles, enhancing their leadership skills.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the Deep Tech scene while learning about early-stage investing.
- Qualifications: Technical fluency and connections within the European tech ecosystem are essential.
About First Momentum Ventures
We're building one of Europe's most distinctive early‑stage venture funds. As students, we've deployed two funds (now totaling €35m) into ~50 pre‑seed Deep Tech companies across Europe. Our portfolio has raised follow‑on funding from top‑tier European and US investors. Today, we're a community of over 100 (mostly technical) scouts, founders, and operators who help us identify the best technical founders before anyone else does. We accept only 1 in 15 applicants; this isn't just another community. We operate under clear rules that ensure everyone is committed, and we kindly offboard those here only for the VC tag. Note: This is an unpaid role with performance‑based referral bounties for successful investments.
Tasks What You’ll Do
- Source breakthrough companies. Connect us to the most promising technical founders in your ecosystem, people building in labs, at hackathons, in research groups, or launching their first startup.
- Represent us locally. Attend events, universities, and accelerators where technical founders gather. Make it easy for them to find us.
- Share your expertise. When we evaluate companies in your domain, semicon, robotics, climate tech, AI infrastructure, we’ll tap your technical knowledge and ecosystem insights.
- Contribute to portfolio success. Our scouts don't just source deals. They actively support our portfolio companies through introductions, domain expertise, and ecosystem connections.
- Shape our strategy. Help us understand your local scene: which research is commercializing, which founders are worth watching, which technologies are gaining momentum.
Requirements Who Thrives in This Role
- Technically fluent. Whether as a CS/engineering student, PhD researcher, startup operator, or technical founder, you can have credible conversations with deeply technical people.
- Embedded in a European tech ecosystem. Connected to a university, research institution, or startup community. You know who's building what.
- Genuinely curious. About Deep Tech or industrial innovation. You follow research, products, and companies in areas such as TechBio, Energy, Manufacturing, and developer tools.
- Entrepreneurial and self‑directed. You create opportunities, follow through, and take ownership of your impact.
- Want to learn. How early‑stage investing works, and you’re willing to put in the work.
Benefits What You’ll Gain
- Real VC experience. See how deals happen from sourcing through investment decisions. Join workshops on term sheets, technical diligence, and portfolio support.
- A powerful network. Build relationships with founders, investors, and fellow scouts across Europe that compound over time.
- Domain expertise. Go deep on emerging technologies through deal reviews and virtual sessions.
- Career acceleration. Many scouts join startups, launch companies, or build VC careers. This role opens doors.
- Community access. Join a European community of technical builders and attend startup events where the most interesting work happens.
Chapter Lead Opportunities
High‑performing scouts can grow into Chapter Lead roles at their university or city. Chapter Leads take on additional responsibility:
- Recruit strategically. Build a scout presence across relevant faculties and fill gaps when scouts move on.
- Foster community. Organize one meetup per quarter to keep your local scout network engaged.
- Support events. Work with the First Momentum team to bring startup events to your ecosystem.
Venture Capital Careers employer: Venture Capital Careers
At First Momentum Ventures, we pride ourselves on being a unique and dynamic employer in the venture capital space, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and connection, allowing you to engage with leading technical founders and build a powerful network across Europe. As part of our community, you'll gain real VC experience, access to exclusive workshops, and the chance to shape the future of Deep Tech while contributing to the success of groundbreaking startups.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Venture Capital Careers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local tech events, meetups, and university gatherings where founders hang out. The more people you connect with, the better your chances of finding those hidden gems in the startup scene.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When chatting with potential founders, share your insights and knowledge about their tech area. This not only builds trust but also positions you as a valuable resource in their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to founders, offer help, and ask questions. Your enthusiasm and initiative can make a lasting impression and open doors.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate scouts who are eager to dive into the world of venture capital. Your application could be the first step towards an exciting journey with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Venture Capital Careers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Deep Tech:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Deep Tech shine through! Share any projects or experiences that highlight your curiosity and knowledge in areas like AI, robotics, or climate tech. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the field!
Be Specific About Your Connections:We love seeing candidates who are embedded in their local tech ecosystems. Mention specific universities, research institutions, or startup communities you’re connected to. This helps us understand how you can source those breakthrough companies we’re looking for!
Highlight Your Technical Fluency:Since we’re all about connecting with technical founders, make sure to showcase your technical background. Whether you’re a CS student or a PhD researcher, include relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage in credible conversations with deeply technical people.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Share your story and motivations, but also ensure it aligns with our mission. And don’t forget, applying through our website is the best way to get your foot in the door!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venture Capital Careers
✨Know Your Deep Tech
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and breakthroughs in Deep Tech. Be ready to discuss specific companies or technologies that excite you, as this shows genuine curiosity and knowledge about the field.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since this role involves connecting with technical founders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your networking skills. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with your local tech ecosystem, whether through events, universities, or personal connections.
✨Showcase Your Technical Fluency
Be prepared to have credible conversations with deeply technical people. Highlight your background in CS, engineering, or any relevant experience that showcases your ability to understand complex concepts and communicate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
This role is all about taking ownership and creating opportunities. Share specific instances where you've taken initiative, whether in projects, research, or community involvement, to illustrate your self-directed nature.
