Principal, Star Venture

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An international financial institution in London seeks a Principal to co-lead the Star Venture programme, responsible for strategic development and managing startup initiatives. Candidates should have a Master's degree, substantial experience in startup acceleration, and strong analytical and interpersonal skills. The role offers a dynamic working culture and hybrid work options, emphasizing diversity, sustainability, and employee wellbeing.

Benefits

Stimulating work environment

Inclusive culture supporting diversity

Hybrid workplace offering flexibility

Focus on sustainability and equality

Comprehensive employee wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a relevant Master’s degree from a leading institution.
• Significant professional experience in startup acceleration or venture capital.
• Experience designing or managing startup support programmes.
• Knowledge of donor-funded work and experience in donor fund mobilisation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day‑to‑day Star Venture activities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of startup support programmes.
• Support operational targets and review progress.
• Establish relations with donors and develop funding proposals.
• Manage production of programme reports for donors.
• Work with teams to design new market development activities.
• Conduct quality assurance for the project portfolio.
• Lead new market development activities with partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Knowledge of venture finance

Writing and presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Fluency in English

Computer literacy

Education

Master’s degree in Economics, MBA, or Finance

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Please note: This role is based in London. For a suitably qualified candidate, an alternative location within one of the Bank's countries of operation may be considered. The Principal will be responsible for co‑leading the implementation and strategic development of the Star Venture programme. This includes managing and delivering specialised initiatives, such as thematic or regional programmes; overseeing the design and launch of new products and delivery models for early‑stage startup support; and managing selected donor relationships, including fundraising, coordination, and reporting. The role combines strategic programme development with hands‑on oversight of delivery, ensuring that Star Venture continues to scale while maintaining quality, relevance, and impact.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day‑to‑day Star Venture activities to ensure effective delivery of programme and team objectives.
• Oversee the successful development and implementation of global and multi‑country startup support programmes and products within Star Venture, that involve key stakeholders from across the Bank and key players in the private sector.
• Support senior colleagues to set operational targets and agree operational plans for Star Venture country teams/programmes and review progress to inform management decision‑making.
• Establish and sustain good relations with selected donors and other stakeholders to develop funding proposals.
• Manage timely production of reports on programmes to inform funding donors on progress and impact.
• Work with country teams to design and review new market development activities, new programmes or multi‑country initiatives to maximise the transition impact and sustainability of Star Venture.
• Conduct quality assurance and due diligence on Star Venture project portfolio, including selection and monitoring of supported startups and accelerators.
• Lead and review new market development activities, including expansion of Star Venture to new countries, new thematic initiatives (e.g. green tech, digital, inclusion), and partnerships with accelerators, investors, and corporates.
• Originate and manage improvements to Star Venture operating procedures, delivery mechanisms, systems and the Management Information System (MIS) to support efficient and scalable programme delivery.
• Identify, collect and review case studies and success stories from startups and accelerators to promote knowledge management and visibility.
• Contribute to the development of global communication and visibility material to promote Star Venture activities to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a relevant Master’s degree (Economics, MBA, Finance, etc.) from a leading institution.
• Significant relevant professional experience in startup acceleration, venture capital, venture‑building, innovation advisory, entrepreneurship support programmes, consulting, or related fields.
• Experience designing or managing startup support programmes, working directly with founders, accelerators, investors, or corporate innovation teams.
• Knowledge of donor‑funded work, donor organisations and experience in donor fund mobilisation desirable.
• Experience working in multi‑stakeholder environments across several countries and collaborating with senior partners.

Skills

• Strong analytical skills and ability to draw insights from data and ecosystem research.
• Good understanding of venture finance, startup metrics, business models, and support tools for early‑stage companies.
• Strong writing and presentation skills; experience in writing reports and donor proposals desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interface with multi‑country teams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to think creatively, ability to multi‑task and react quickly.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in Russian, French, as well as other languages of countries of operations would be an advantage.
• Computer literate: excellent knowledge of Excel and Power Point, ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Business/financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding of local accounting principles and practice of company financial analysis desirable.
• A developing track record in managing processes and different teams in order to successfully bring programmes and products from the “drawing board to the market”.

General

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate, passionate about private sector development.
• Ability to work in a multi‑cultural environment.

Benefits

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in.
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness.
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Bank's core values which are at the heart of everything it does. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio‑economic background or disability.