Senior Program Manager, Investment Readiness & Grant Programs

Vc4a BV; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

VC4A – Venture Capital for Africa is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead investment readiness and grant programs for early-stage startups. The role focuses on building capabilities to raise capital, deploying catalytic grants, and engaging a broad ecosystem of founders, investors, and partners.

The role combines project management, startup finance, and ecosystem engagement, with regular travel across Africa and Europe.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in startup ecosystems, accelerators, venture capital, or investment readiness programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver investment readiness programs to prepare startups for capital raising.
• Coordinate curriculum delivery and manage internal/external stakeholders and mentors.
• Oversee grant deployment, startup onboarding, and reporting to funders.
• Analyze startup financials, prepare projections, and translate data into investor narratives.
• Engage investors and ecosystem partners; facilitate introductions and events.
• Maintain program operations using tools like Notion and ensure alignment with milestones.

Skills

Financial analysis

Project management

Startup fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Written and presentation skills

Tools

Notion

Job description

Senior Program Manager, Investment Readiness & Grant Programs

Location: Amsterdam (preferred)
Organisation: VC4A – Venture Capital for Africa
Reports to: Head of Acceleration

VC4A is a leading ecosystem builder supporting high-growth startups across emerging markets. Through investment readiness training, venture showcases, mentorship, and investor engagement, VC4A helps entrepreneurs connect with the capital, knowledge, and networks required to scale.

VC4A works with founders, investors, development partners, and ecosystem stakeholders to unlock early-stage capital and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems across Africa and other emerging markets.

Role Overview

VC4A is seeking a Senior Program Manager to support the delivery of startup support programs focused on investment readiness and the deployment of catalytic grant funding to early-stage companies.

The role combines project management, startup finance, and ecosystem engagement. The successful candidate will work closely with founders to strengthen their investment readiness while also supporting the deployment, monitoring, and reporting of grant funding provided to startups.

The position is ideally based in Amsterdam, with regular travel and engagement across Africa’s startup ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

1. Investment Readiness Program Management

Lead the design and delivery of programs that prepare startups to raise capital from angel investors, venture capital funds, and other early-stage investors.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing investment readiness training programs for startups seeking Seed and Series A investment.
• Coordinating curriculum delivery across topics such as:
  • financial modelling
  • startup valuations
  • fundraising strategy
  • deal structuring
  • investor communications
• Coordinating both internal and external stakeholders as well as mentors, trainers, and ecosystem partners involved in the program.
• Managing program timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Providing feedback to founders on pitch decks, fundraising strategies, and financial models.
• Preparing startups for investor engagement opportunities such as demo days or venture showcases.

2. Grant Deployment & Startup Support

Support the deployment of grant funding designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage startups.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the selection and onboarding of startups receiving grant funding.
• Analysis of startup financials and operational plans to ensure program fit.
• In-person due diligence of shortlisted startups.
• Coordinating reporting and documentation required by funding partners.
• Facilitating technical assistance support offered by the program, including stakeholder co-ordination.
• Monitoring startup progress against agreed milestones and deliverables.

3. Financial Analysis & Investment Preparation

Support founders in strengthening their financial management and fundraising readiness.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing startup financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow).
• Assessing unit economics, burn rate, runway, and capital requirements.
• Supporting founders in developing credible financial projections and fundraising strategies.
• Helping translate financial data into clear investor narratives.

4. Stakeholder & Ecosystem Engagement

Coordinate engagement with investors, ecosystem partners, and program stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

• Engaging angel investors, venture capital funds, and ecosystem partners.
• Facilitating introductions between founders and investors where appropriate.
• Participating in ecosystem events and initiatives relevant to startup investment.

5. Program Operations & Tools

Ensure smooth program delivery through effective operational systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing program workflows and founder engagement using tools such as Notion.
  Maintaining structured databases of startup progress, milestones, and program outcomes.
  Supporting internal coordination across distributed teams.

Required Experience

Candidates should demonstrate a strong combination of startup ecosystem experience, financial analysis skills, and project management capability.

• 3+ years experience working in startup ecosystems, accelerators, venture capital, or investment readiness programs.
• Strong understanding of startup fundraising mechanics and early-stage investment.
• Experience reviewing startup financial models, pitch decks, and fundraising strategies.
• Strong ability to analyse financial statements and assess startup financial performance.

  Technical Skills

  • Financial modelling and startup financial analysis
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Startup valuation fundamentals
  • Project and program management
  • Notion for program coordination and workflow management
  • Strong written and presentation skills

  Preferred Experience

  • Working within the African startup ecosystem
  • With early-stage venture investing or startup finance
  • Implementing donor-funded entrepreneurship programs
  • Supporting startups through investment readiness or accelerator programs
  • In-person due diligence of African startups and SMEs

  Location

  Preferred candidates are based in Amsterdam. The role requires regular travel and engagement with founders and partners across Africa and Europe.