Founding Principal

Candlestick Partners; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An investment platform for sports seeks a founding principal to lead investor relationships, manage acquisitions, and support team operations. Candidates should have over 5 years in private equity and a strong connection to soccer or sports strategy. This role will involve deep engagement in fundraising and team acquisition processes, along with strategic support for future club developments. Compensation includes carried interest and requires flexibility for travel within Europe.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in buy-side roles, preferably in private equity.
• Experience managing full transaction life cycles.
• Enthusiasm for sports and flexibility for travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead key projects from investor relationships to deal closing.
• Create marketing materials for institutional fundraising.
• Maintain database for team acquisitions and conduct diligence.
• Act as Chief of Staff to CEO post-acquisition.
• Assist in developing future acquisition strategies.

Skills

High impact buy-side experience

Transaction management

Investor relationship cultivation

Soccer connection or sports strategy

Job description

Overview

Candlestick Partners is an investment platform acquiring majority stakes in middle-market European football clubs. We are building our firm on the belief that value for all stakeholders — from players to fans and to ownership — stems from serving fan passion and player dedication.

Candlestick plans to operate in conjunction with a sister company using blockchain technology to democratize stakeholder ownership and engagement. We aim to capitalize on unique tailwinds in this part of the market while delivering outsized commercial and sporting performance.

The firm was built in partnership with Endurance, a family office for three serial entrepreneurs. After building five successful businesses as Founder/CEO, the Partners now incubate 1-2 companies per year alongside Partners we recruit. We also operate an active investment office with a notable private equity portfolio.

About the Role

The founding principal will support the Partners through the evolution of Candlestick, both in London and other Europe. Your role will involve building the investor group; deep engagement in the team search, diligence and acquisition process; supporting team operations; and developing acquisition strategies for future clubs.

• Principal Responsibilities: Lead key projects independently, from cultivating investor relationships to executing and closing transactions.
• Fundraising support: Candlestick is conducting an institutional fundraise which will require deep iteration on its marketing materials and data room, financial and market analysis, as well as investor identification and development.
• Team Acquisition: You will be responsible for developing and maintaining our database of team acquisition possibilities and conducting deep commercial and financial diligence, and eventually managing the closing process.
• Team Operation: Once acquired, you will play a “Chief of Staff” role to the CEO, contributing to all aspects of the club’s development.
• Future Acquisitions: Following Candlestick’s first club purchase, you will assist the process of developing our next acquisition.

About You

• 5+ years of progressive experience in a high impact buy-side role, preferably private equity or other principal investing.
• Experience driving transactions across the full life cycle from sourcing and diligence to execution and subsequent deal management.
• Authentic connection to soccer preferred, or sports operating and strategy experience.
• Flexibility for travel and relocation to Europe.
• Enthusiasm for compensation that includes carried interest.