Fundraising Specialist

World Aquatics; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

World Aquatics seeks an experienced fundraising leader to close deals with regional investors and build tailored investor lists. You will drive the fundraising process, refine assets, and organize investor matchmaking for startups and scaleups in Europe.

Requirements include 5–10 years in venture fundraising, strong English, and an entrepreneurial mindset, with a powerful European tech investor network.

Qualifications

• An MSc in STEM is a requirement. An MBA is a merit.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in scaleup scouting, technology selling, closing deals, venture capital fundraising in accelerators or VCs.
• Strong network within the European digital tech and investor community (Angel/Seed, VC, Corporate Venture Funds).
• Outstanding analytical skills and experience with financial modeling and business plan creation.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills in English and ability to convey value propositions.
• Hands-on entrepreneurial mindset focused on delivering results.
• Drive to make a difference and lead innovation ecosystems in Europe.

Responsibilities

• Close fundraising deals for portfolio startups and scaleups with target investors.
• Build tailored investor lists and drive the fundraising process to secure commitments.
• Review and prepare fundraising assets (business plans, teasers, pitch decks).
• Organize matchmaking between startups and VC/funding bodies.
• Engage with investors regionally to increase Speed Master program visibility.
• Support in the Growth Services and acceleration programs delivery.
• Develop pipelines for GS programs and EU/National proposals.

Skills

MSc in STEM

MBA

Fundraising

Financial modeling

Public speaking

Entrepreneurial mindset

Networking

Venture capital

Education

MSc in STEM

MBA (merit)

Job description

• Closing fundraising deals for our portfolio startups and scaleups with target investors in your region to meet their investment targets;
• Building tailored investor lists and driving the fundraising process to get firm commitments on term sheets, funding amounts and deal closure timeline;
• Review and prepare fundraising assets for the startups and scaleups (business plans, teasers, pitch decks) and fine-tune their financing needs (amount, timing, use of proceeds, valuation);
• Organize matchmaking opportunities between the startups and scaleups, and target VC funds, Corporate Venture funds, family offices, national funding agencies, European institutional stakeholders (such as EIC and EIF and EIB);
• Execute investor engagement activities in your region, to increase visibility & recognition of28DIGITALGrowth Services as a credible source of top-quality deal flow;
• Drive the high-level delivery of Speed Master editions in collaboration with theHead of Acceleration and Corporate Innovation;
• Support theAccelerationTeam with(1)scouting of startup and scaleup candidates for theCo-Creation Accelerator,(1)delivery of the28DIGITAL Founder’s Cluband(3)fundraising for the equity portfolio startups and scaleups;
• Support in the development of a strong pipeline forallGS programs;
• Support the Growth Services team contribution to the preparation and delivery of EU/National proposals.

This position reports to theGrowth ServicesTeam Lead.

Profile required

Qualifications and Experience

• An MSc in STEM is a requirement. An MBA is a merit;
• 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in scaleup scouting, technology selling, closing deals, venture capital fundraising in scaleup accelerators or VCs in the technology sector;
• Strong network within the European digital technology industry and the European investor community (Angel/Seed investors, Venture Capital firms, and Corporate Venture Funds) involved in digital technology startups;
• Outstanding analytical skills and experience with financial modeling and business plan creation;
• Strong presentation and public appearance skills in English (verbal, written) and ability to convey simple and effective value propositions and messages;
• Hands-on approach with an entrepreneurial mindset focused on delivering results;
• Drive to make a difference and be part of a team that is leading impact in innovation ecosystems in Europe.

Languages: Mastery of English with superior verbal, presentation and written communication skillsis a must. Professional working knowledge ofFinnish and/or Swedishis aplus.