Venture Capital Associate

ABOUT NEXTSTEP

NextStep is an AI-powered career platform designed to support top consulting talent through career transitions. Our smart matching technology connects consultants with high-potential opportunities at firms where their background translates directly into value. We're looking for a Venture Capital Associate on behalf of a client from our partner network.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a specialist venture capital firm investing in early to growth-stage climate technology companies across Europe. They back founders building in energy transition, sustainable food systems, industrial decarbonisation, and climate adaptation. The team is small, deeply expert, and closely connected to the European climate tech ecosystem. They are raising their third fund and adding an Associate to support an expanding deal pipeline and portfolio.

THE ROLE

As a Venture Capital Associate, you will work across the investment lifecycle, from sourcing and diligence through to portfolio support and fund reporting. You will be a core part of a lean investment team, which means high ownership from day one and direct involvement in decisions that matter. This is a role for someone who combines analytical sharpness with genuine intellectual curiosity about how climate technology is evolving.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Source and evaluate investment opportunities across the climate tech landscape, including company identification, initial screening, and investment committee preparation.

• Lead commercial and market diligence workstreams, synthesising complex information into clear investment theses and risk assessments.

• Build and maintain financial models to support deal structuring, valuation, and portfolio monitoring.

• Support portfolio companies on strategic and operational challenges, acting as a trusted point of contact at the Associate level.

• Prepare materials for investment committee meetings, LP reporting, and fund-level reviews.

• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and in the broader climate tech ecosystem to build deal flow and relationships.

• Contribute to fund strategy discussions, including sector prioritisation and portfolio construction.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 3-6 years of experience, with a strong foundation in management consulting, investment banking, or a strategy function within a climate or energy business.

• Genuine interest in climate technology and a working understanding of at least one core sector, whether energy, industrials, agriculture, or built environment.

• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills; comfortable building and interrogating models independently.

• Clear and structured communicator, able to produce tight written analysis and hold a credible conversation with founders and technical experts alike.

• Self-starter with high intellectual curiosity and the drive to develop conviction on emerging themes without being told what to think.

• Collaborative team player who can operate in a small, high-trust environment without significant process or hierarchy.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base salary of £85,000 - £115,000, determined based on experience and scope.

• Carried interest participation, structured to reflect the Associate's contribution to fund performance over time.

• Additional benefits, including private health cover, pension, and leave entitlement, are detailed as part of the full offer package.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this role, please create your profile at nextstep.com https://getnextstep.com/candidate/landing?utm_medium=job-board&utm_source=job-board. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the criteria for this role. If your profile is a strong fit, you will be surfaced to the hiring team directly. No cover letter required.

This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.