Associate, Primary

Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Remote workdays policy

Job summary

HarbourVest Partners (U.K.) Limited in London is seeking an Associate to join the EMEA Primary Investment Group. You will evaluate fund opportunities across Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital, conduct meetings with managers, and prepare rigorous performance analytics and investment theses for senior colleagues.

The role emphasizes collaboration with global teams, rigorous analysis, and effective communication.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical reasoning with attention to detail.
• Strong quantitative skills with Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Knowledge of private equity markets and financial fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Perform due diligence on Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital managers and fund opportunities, including detailed performance and benchmarking analyses and reference calls.
• Source and evaluate new Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital fund opportunities.
• Develop investment theses and present key findings to senior professionals.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Quantitative analysis

Communication skills

Relationship building

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description Summary For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking. In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences. We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm. HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer. This position will be a hybrid work arrangement. You will receive 18 remote workdays per quarter to use at your discretion, subject to manager approval. For example, you may choose to work in the office 4 days per week and take one remote day weekly (typically 13 weeks per quarter), leaving 5 additional remote days to be used as needed. HarbourVest is currently seeking candidates for an Associate position in the EMEA Primary Investment Group based in London.

As an Associate, you will be responsible for evaluating fund investment opportunities across the Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital markets. As part of the evaluation process, you will be responsible for meeting with managers who are raising funds, creating detailed performance analytics including benchmarking and portfolio company underwriting, forming and articulating investment theses to our senior team, conducting reference calls with portfolio companies and presenting opportunities to our global Investment Committee.

The ideal candidate is someone who has:

• Strong analytical capabilities with ability to synthesize recommendations based on analysis with strong attention to detail
• Strong quantitative skills with deep experience in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
• Good knowledge of private equity markets and financial expertise
• Proven leadership skills and ability to succeed working independently and in collaborative teams
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

What you will do:

• Perform due diligence on Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital managers and fund opportunities, including preparing detailed performance and benchmarking analyses, participating in manager diligence meetings, making reference calls, and conducting independent research
• Source and evaluate new Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital fund opportunities.
• Develop investment theses and present key findings to senior professionals.
• Prepare diligence materials and present opportunities to the global Investment Committee
• Complete special projects for internal usage and client requests, including industry research and market updates.
• Prepare materials for HarbourVest's Annual Meeting and other client meetings
• Monitor primary fund investments through attendance at annual meetings, reviewing quarterly and annual reports, and participating in portfolio update calls as required.
• Build and enhance relationships with fund managers
• Source and refer interesting direct equity, credit and secondary opportunities internally and facilitate/assist with the initial assessment of these opportunities
• Work to build and expand your personal network and knowledge base through continuing to meet and work with professionals at HarbourVest

What you bring:

• 2-3 years of strong professional experience in private equity, asset management, manager research, investment consulting, investment banking or related financial services
• Demonstrated excellence in analytical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and verbal/written communications in team-based settings
• Demonstrated interest in Primary fund investing

Education Preferred: Bachelors degree or equivalent experience

Experience: 2-3 years of professional experience in private equity manager research, investment consulting, investment banking or related financial services

HarbourVest is an independent, global private markets firm with over 43 years of experience and more than $146 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2025. Our interwoven platform provides clients access to global primary funds, secondary transactions, direct co-investments, real assets and infrastructure, and private credit. Our strengths extend across strategies, enabled by our team of more than 1,270 employees, including more than 230 investment professionals across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Across our private markets platform, our team has committed more than $64 billion to newly-formed funds, completed over $66 billion in secondary purchases, and invested over $49 billion in direct operating companies. We partner strategically and plan our offerings innovatively to provide our clients with access, insight, and global opportunities.