Associate – Growth Equity (Software Investments)
Location: London
The Firm
Our client is a premier growth equity investor with a longstanding record of scaling Europe's most successful technology and software companies. With billions in committed capital and a focused strategy, the firm backs high-growth businesses at the intersection of innovation and scalability. The platform is recognised for its deep domain expertise in software, fintech, data/analytics, and digital platforms, and for its ability to accelerate expansion through strategic guidance, operational excellence, and global networks. The culture is entrepreneurial, dynamic, and performance-driven, offering unparalleled exposure to the most exciting technology investments in the market.
The Opportunity
The Associate will play a critical role within the investment team, working directly with senior dealmakers and founders to originate, execute, and manage growth equity investments. The mandate spans high-growth software and technology businesses across Europe, focusing on sectors undergoing rapid digital transformation and market consolidation. This position offers significant responsibility from day one: sourcing opportunities, leading diligence workstreams, building conviction in investment theses, and driving portfolio value creation. The role provides a front-row seat to Europe's software growth story and long-term career progression within private markets.
Key Responsibilities
* Deal Execution & Origination
– Take ownership of critical workstreams across the full transaction lifecycle, from pipeline development and initial screening through to due diligence, structuring, negotiation, and closing. Proactively identify and cultivate relationships with high-potential software businesses and industry stakeholders to support proprietary origination.
* Financial Analysis & Valuation
– Build, refine, and interrogate sophisticated financial models, incorporating scenario analyses, cohort metrics, unit economics, and SaaS-specific KPIs (ARR growth, churn, CAC/LTV ratios, etc.). Stress-test assumptions and provide actionable insights to underpin investment theses.
* Due Diligence Leadership
– Coordinate and lead multi-dimensional diligence processes—commercial, financial, legal, technical, regulatory—working seamlessly with senior leadership, management teams, and external advisors. Synthesize findings into clear investment perspectives.
* Investment Materials & IC Process
– Draft and present compelling investment memoranda, deal notes, and supporting documentation. Distill complex data into investor-grade narratives for internal committees and external co-investment partners, articulating both opportunities and risks with precision.
* Portfolio Engagement
– Partner with founders and management teams of portfolio companies to monitor KPIs, identify growth levers, and support initiatives such as market expansion, product development, pricing strategies, and bolt-on M&A. Contribute directly to operational excellence and long-term value creation.
* Market Intelligence & Network Development
– Map sub-sectors across the software ecosystem, track competitive dynamics, and identify emerging themes. Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, advisors, industry experts, and potential co-investors across Europe's technology growth landscape.
Candidate Profile
* Professional Experience
– 2–4 years in investment banking, private equity, or growth equity, ideally with a proven track record in software, technology, or adjacent high-growth sectors. Prior exposure to both buy-side and sell-side transaction dynamics is advantageous.
* Technical Skill Set
– Advanced financial modelling capabilities, including cohort analysis, SaaS-specific performance metrics, and sensitivity testing. Ability to assess and interpret complex capital structures, growth-stage P&Ls, and cash flow dynamics.
* Transaction Execution
– Demonstrated experience managing transaction processes end-to-end, including data room management, advisor coordination, and negotiation support. Comfortable balancing multiple deals under tight deadlines with high attention to detail.
* Commercial Judgement
– Strong ability to assess business models, unit economics, and growth drivers in high-velocity software environments. Evidence of independent thinking and conviction-building in investment theses.
* Communication
– Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complexity into clear, persuasive investment materials and present effectively to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
* Mindset & Approach
– Entrepreneurial and commercially driven, with intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Ability to thrive in a lean, entrepreneurial culture with significant responsibility and steep learning curves.
* Cultural & Linguistic Skills
– Fluent in English, with additional European languages strongly valued for pan-European deal execution. Ability to navigate cross-border cultural contexts and build relationships across diverse geographies.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a market-leading growth equity investor at the forefront of Europe's software investment landscape. The Associate will work directly with senior investors and visionary founders, gain immediate exposure to high-profile transactions, and play an active role in scaling businesses that redefine industries. For ambitious professionals seeking accelerated responsibility, deal visibility, and long-term progression in private markets, this role represents a unique career inflection point.