Summary
Ascension is an early-stage venture capital firm built and managed by exited entrepreneurs to back the next generation of tech and impact founders. Since 2015, Ascension has invested in 150+ start-ups across its (S)EIS & Institutional funds – our specialist approach and extensive sector reach allow us to identify and scale pioneering tech enterprises. With over £70m under management, Ascension is one of the most active early stage investors in the UK with a particular focus on backing impact businesses leveraging the power of technology to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. For more information, see ascension.vc.
📍 NOTE: This is an entry-level position with a clear and direct path to principal and beyond. Ascension is an entrepreneurial environment where self-starters will thrive and internal progression is very possible, with a timeline to Senior Associate after 2 years. This role has an annual salary of £35,000 as well as carried interest across the funds this role covers (Ascension SEIS Fund and Ascension EIS Fund).
Key responsibilities
- Pipeline Sourcing & Management: deal-flow research, managing in-bound opportunities, direct outreach and ecosystem relations (e.g. attend industry events and demo days, organise VC & Angel investor meetings, build and maintain relationships with accelerators, etc.)
- Deal Analysis: perform analysis on potential investee companies, draft Investment Committee Papers, including market research and financial analysis
- Deal Execution: manage and keep track of the execution process, including keeping all internal investment systems/software up to date. Produce and negotiate Term Sheets, help set company objectives and KPIs
- Database Management and Portfolio Support: manage file repository and CRM systems, and assist with internal and portfolio events and news
- Partnerships: help build partnerships with industry stakeholders to help strengthen Ascension’s deal-flow
- Research: seek & research new sectors ripe for investment, keeping up to speed with sector trends and market performance of different products. Keep the investment team updated with the investment / category landscape
- Marketing: work alongside Ascension’s marketing team to implement and manage marcomms on behalf of the tax-efficient funds
Who you are
- You are proactive, outgoing, self-motivated and fun to work with – you should be eager to learn and be able to adapt and integrate easily in new situations
- You thrive in an autonomous role, with excellent prioritisation, self-organisation, and execution skills
- You are able to keep cool under pressure and maintain confidence when interacting with stakeholders of all levels – internally and externally
- You have strong emotional intelligence and treat everyone around you with respect
- You have immense appreciation and curiosity for technologies that are changing the world we live in
- You are a self-starter who can take ownership and complete tasks with limited information and direction
- You are not afraid to question or challenge opinions
- You think creatively and independently about complex problems
- You have a deep and insatiable curiosity about people: what keeps them up at night, what drives their aspirations, and how to motivate them when they’re running on fumes
- You have strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- You can pick up new tools quickly
Experience required
- Qualified to at least degree level in a relevant subject, or demonstrable evidence of knowledge gained from other sources and/or experience
- 1-3 years of professional working experience and a keen interest in the tech start-up ecosystem
- Experience of working in a VC or start-up environment
- Domain experience or interest in emerging tech
Next steps
Apply below!
Your application will be carefully reviewed by the TPC team and, if selected, you will have an initial screening call with a TPC representative.
If selected, we will put you forward to the company for their consideration.