Principal, Star Venture

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international financial institution in London is seeking a Principal for their Star Venture programme. This role requires strong analytical and interpersonal skills, alongside significant experience in managing startup support programmes. A Master's degree is essential. The position offers a hybrid workplace model, enabling flexibility and engagement across various stakeholders. Join a pioneering organization that invests in emerging markets, celebrating diversity and promoting private sector development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive suite of competitive benefits

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a relevant Master’s degree from a leading institution.
• Significant experience in startup acceleration or related fields.
• Experience in managing startup support programmes.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead the implementation of the Star Venture programme.
• Supervise day-to-day Star Venture activities.
• Oversee successful development of global startup support programmes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Fluency in English

Computer literacy

Education

Master's degree (Economics, MBA, Finance)

Tools

Excel

Power Point

Job description

Requisition ID 36327 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Banking Sectors Contract Type Short Term Contract Length 12 months Posting End Date 09/01/2026

Purpose of Job

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 contract duration is between 9 to 12 months, depending on the actual start date.

EBRD Star Venture is the Bank’s flagship venture-building programme, designed to support and scale high-potential startups in emerging markets. Operating in over 26 countries, Star Venture provides tailored, hands‑on support to early‑stage companies through a combination of advisory services, international mentorship, corporate partnerships, blended finance instruments, and market access initiatives. In parallel, the programme works closely with local accelerators, investors, corporates, and other stakeholders to strengthen startup ecosystems and improve access to finance and growth opportunities for innovative firms. To date, Star Venture has directly supported more than 430 startups that have collectively raised over EUR 640 million in commercial investment.

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.

Accountabilities & 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.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Education/Professional qualifications

Strong academic background with a relevant Master’s degree (Economics, MBA, Finance, etc.) from a leading institution.

Experience

• 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.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high‑performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• 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.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).