Associate, Primary

Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent global private markets firm is seeking an Associate for its EMEA Primary Investment Group in London. The candidate will evaluate fund investment opportunities in private equity and venture capital, conduct due diligence, prepare detailed analyses, and present findings. A proactive individual with 2-3 years of experience in financial services, excellent analytical and communication skills, and an interest in primary fund investing is ideal for this role.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of strong professional experience in private equity, asset management, or related financial services.
• Excellent analytical reasoning and communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in Primary fund investing.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate fund investment opportunities across Private Equity, Growth Equity, and Venture Capital markets.
• Perform due diligence, prepare analyses, and present findings to the Investment Committee.
• Source and evaluate new Private Equity opportunities.

Skills

Strong analytical capabilities

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Knowledge of private equity markets

Communication skills

Job description

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, which translates to 3 days minimum per week in the office.

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:

Experience:

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

#LI-Hybrid

About Us

HarbourVest is an independent, global private markets firm with over 43 years of experience and more than $138 billion assets under management as of September 30, 2024. 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 1,200 employees, including more than 230 investment professionals across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Across our private markets platform, our team has committed more than $59 billion to newly-formed funds, completed over $55 billion in secondary purchases, and invested over $40 billion in direct operating companies. We partner strategically and plan our offerings innovatively to provide our clients with access, insight, and global opportunities.