West Cambridge | Between £38,000 - £41,700 | Full time, Permanent | Hybrid 3 days in office
Be a part of bringing world-changing innovations to life at Cambridge Enterprise
Why Cambridge Enterprise?
We are at the heart of Europe's most successful research and technology cluster and we're on a mission to bring innovation to life, making a difference to society, the UK economy, and the University of Cambridge. We connect the innovative minds of the University’s academics with the funding, start-up expertise and commercial relationships they need to help their ideas thrive.
Our success stories include an electric vehicle charging technology that's as convenient as filling up with petrol, a programme to prevent ideological extremism, and the world's first treatment for a rare cause of blindness. Now, we need an Investment Analyst to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.
Why you will love this role:
As an Analyst you will play a direct and crucial role in developing these emerging technology companies which can change the world for the better. You will develop a strong early-stage investment skillset in one of the world-leading University investment funds and will be particularly focussed on a portfolio from opportunities arising from the School of Physical Sciences and the School of Technology.
You will be engaged in all parts of the investment process; deal generation, initial assessment, due diligence, writing investment papers and closing financing rounds. Working in a world-class investment team, you will have plenty of opportunity to learn from those around you.
A key part of the role will be finding the opportunities and assessing their potential. This will involve developing relationships with departments and their academics and working with them to build their opportunities.
Here’s a little more detail on what you’ll be able to do:
Build investment opportunities:
- Collaborate with the investment lead to develop a robust deal flow, conducting deep dives into emerging markets and identifying promising research programs within academia.
- Work closely with Founders, CE colleagues, and external advisors to shape business and investment strategies, while also building relationships with potential co-investors to form strong syndicates.
- Actively engage with the Cambridge ecosystem, networking to promote and accelerate deal flow, while assisting in preparing comprehensive investment cases for review by the CE Investment Committee.
Help complete the deal:
- Establish and nurture relationships within the academic and entrepreneurial communities, particularly focusing on the physical sciences sector.
- Coordinate with colleagues in the Cambridge Enterprise Technology Transfer office to assess University IP assets for potential spin-out opportunities.
- Scout, evaluate, and pursue spin-out/start-up opportunities across various technology sectors by actively participating in relevant talks, conferences, and networking events.
Generate high-quality deal flow:
- Lead the investment due diligence process, thoroughly analyzing company technology, market dynamics, and conducting sector interviews.
- Gain proficiency in investment-related legal documentation, aiding in finalizing and executing documents essential to portfolio management.
- Facilitate negotiations between spin-out companies and investor syndicates to ensure smooth deal execution and alignment of interests.
Help grow the company:
- Support the investment lead in identifying and recruiting top-tier commercial and non-executive director talent for portfolio companies.
- Provide assistance to funded companies in building their commercial teams, attending board meetings, and potentially assuming board positions (Director or Observer).
- Cultivate networks, manage relationships, and streamline information flow to facilitate access to capital and investment syndication for portfolio companies.
More about the team you will be joining:
Cambridge Enterprise Ventures is the venture building and investing arm of the University and sits at the heart of Cambridge Enterprise. We are responsible for finding, creating and funding spin-outs from the most exciting and innovative technologies emerging from the University.
All our companies have the potential to change the world and make a difference. Our portfolio includes companies looking to make an impact by commercialising technologies in sustainable materials, quantum computing, next generation batteries, photonics and optimisation software. The Ventures team plays a vital role in enabling the translation of ideas and technologies into commercial success and to date these spin-outs have gone on to raise more than £3bn from other investors.
What we're looking for:
- Strong technical background in relevant physical science discipline, preferably with a degree
- Experience in technology commercialization within either technology transfer or commercial environments
- Proficient financial skills coupled with strategic foresight and risk assessment
- Collaborative approach, adept at consensus-building and timely decision-making
- The experience and skill to evaluate and recommend investment opportunities for the Investment Committee.
- A strong networker who will actively engage with the business community, facilitating introductions to relevant opportunities from the Cambridge ecosystem.
- Able to provide constructive feedback on business plans to academics and students, directing them to additional resources if Cambridge Enterprise Ventures isn't investing
Nice to have:
- PhD in a relevant science discipline or equivalent experience in a related role
- Exposure to University-derived technology companies with high growth potential
- Proficient understanding of multiple sectors within the relevant sciences
- Familiarity with working alongside University Technology Transfer offices to license IP or spin out new ventures
Diversity and equality matter:
These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they are 100% qualified. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so please apply if you meet the majority of the job requirements.
If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact Ian, Gemma or Michelle at people@enterprise.cam.ac.uk
Working for Cambridge Enterprise:
Our benefits package is impressive. With 30 days of annual leave, a generous University pension, health and lifestyle benefits and a modern office at West Cambridge, you'll thrive in this vibrant academic and innovation community.
Perks at a glance:
30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
Generous University pension scheme.
A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning.
Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling.
Retail and travel discounts.
Key dates:
Closing date: 29th April 2024