Investment Associate

For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.  

In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences.  

We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm. 

HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer. 

This position will be a hybrid work arrangement, which translates to 2-3 days minimum per week in the office.  

HarbourVest is currently seeking candidates for our 2-3 year pre-MBA Associate program in the Primary Investment Group in Boston, MA. Our Associate program is designed to offer a unique experience within the private markets that will propel your career in the Private Equity and Venture Capital industry. After training, Associates will be an integral part of HarbourVest’s Primary Team, conducting due diligence on Private Equity and Venture Capital managers and fund opportunities alongside collaborative deal teams.  

As an Associate, you will be responsible for evaluating fund investment opportunities across the Venture Capital, Growth Equity and Private Equity markets, across a variety of sectors. As part of the evaluation process, you will be responsible for meeting with managers who are raising funds, creating detailed performance analytics including benchmarking and portfolio company underwriting, forming and articulating investment theses to our senior team, conducting reference calls with portfolio companies and presenting opportunities to our global Investment Committee.  

The ideal candidate is someone who has:  

• Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment 

• Proven leadership skills and ability to succeed working independently and in collaborative teams 

• Strong quantitative skills with deep experience in Excel 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 

• High level of maturity with ability to multi-task 

What you will do:  

• Perform due diligence on Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital managers and fund opportunities, including preparing detailed performance and benchmarking analyses, participating in manager diligence meetings, making reference calls, and conducting independent research 

• Source and evaluate new Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital fund opportunities. Develop investment theses and present key findings to senior professionals. Prepare diligence material and present opportunities to the global Investment Committee 

• Complete special projects for internal usage and client requests, including industry research and market updates. Prepare materials for HarbourVest's Annual Meeting and other client meetings 

• Monitor primary fund investments through attendance at Annual Meetings, reviewing quarterly and annual reports, and participating in portfolio update calls. Build and enhance relationships with fund managers 

• Source and refer interesting direct equity, credit and secondary opportunities internally and facilitate/assist with the initial assessment of these opportunities 

• Work to build and expand your personal network and knowledge base through continuing to meet and work with professionals at HarbourVest 

What you bring:  

• A strong work background in manager research, investment consulting, investment banking or related financial services 

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills 

• Strong quantitative skills with deep experience in Excel 

• A strong academic background with coursework in finance, business or accounting 

Education Preferred 

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A) or equivalent experience 

• Bachelor of Science (B.S) or equivalent experience 

Experience 

• 2-3 Year of work experience in manager research, investment consulting, investment banking or related financial services 

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