Principal Banker, Venture Capital Investment Programme
Role Overview
Information Communication Technologies (ICT) team is one of seven teams within the Industry, Commerce Agribusiness Business Group at the EBRD ("the Bank"). The ICT team supports the Bank's approach to the knowledge economy via direct investments in the ICT sector. The team (i) engages with the private and public sectors in the continued development of ICT infrastructure and high-speed broadband networks, and (ii) supports the ICT manufacturing and services sub-sectors to enhance innovation within the industry, such as IT service providers, IT equipment and systems producers, communication equipment and systems producers, software publishers, content providers, Internet firms, and incubators/accelerators. The team will also play an important role, together with the Equity Funds team, in looking for ways to improve the venture capital market in the Bank's countries of operations to finance early and growth stage innovative ICT companies.
One key product in helping to develop the venture capital market is the establishment of a dedicated €100 million facility: the Venture Capital Investment Programme ("VCIP"). Under the facility, the Bank will make 10 to 15 equity venture capital investments in technology companies operating in the EBRD countries of operations. This is a new product for the Bank and it will involve working closely with experienced co-investors in the venture capital market. The VCIP investment strategy is to identify and support with financing, together with co-investors, high quality entrepreneurs and management teams with innovative technologies and business models, compelling intellectual property and deep market knowledge in the Bank's countries of operation, as they move from product development to commercialization, or from an early revenue stage to a much larger market opportunity.
Two bankers are sought to join the ICT team to work exclusively on the VCIP together with a VCIP Senior Banker. The bankers will report to the ICT Director and work in close cooperation with teams in the Bank's Resident Offices.
The offered level of the position will be determined following the outcome of the interviews, and may be at a level other then Principal Banker depending on how closely the candidate's skills and experience fit the specific requirements of the role.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
The banker will be responsible for making a significant contribution to the development and management of the VCIP portfolio, playing a leading role in originating, structuring and closing investments. This will involve working with entrepreneurs and venture capital investors in the technologies sector and establishing high level contacts in the sector as well as monitoring and managing the investments.
Under the supervision of a Senior Banker, the banker would gradually be expected to take increasing responsibility for leading an investment process and investment monitoring. The key responsibilities and deliverables will include:
- Actively develop, build and maintain reputable market contacts in the countries of operations in order to develop a deal flow of investment opportunities and identify good quality investments meeting the Bank's requirements.
- Lead origination, structuring and execution of new investments and proactively engage in the oversight and diligent monitoring of existing investments.
- Liaise and work with other departments within the Bank coordinating their involvement in the investment as required.
- Structure investment vehicles that are suitable for the investment objectives and strategy.
- Review complex legal agreements.
- Review and own quality control of financial and other due diligence analysis.
- Prepare and present initial and final review documents for approval by the VCIP advisory committee and the Bank's Small Business Investment Committee.
- Actively participate in the monitoring of investments including managing client relationship and preparation of regular monitoring reports.
- Where appropriate, provide guidance and coaching to more junior bankers and analysts.
- Attend meetings of investors and represent the Bank accordingly, including at investment committees and advisory boards.
- Assist the Bank's policy dialogue with relevant Governments and business contacts on selected issues/projects.
Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Good relevant degree from a leading university in the country of education
- Minimum of 7+ years of directly relevant work experience which should include technology venture capital and/ or technology sector investment banking experience gained from a major investment bank, equity fund, advisory services or corporate finance firm
- A deep understanding of technologies sector and a proven track record of working with high growth potential companies in this sector
- Broad understanding of the current issues affecting the Venture Capital market, specifically in the technologies sector
- Strong research, analytical, quantitative skills and commercial acumen
- Thorough understanding of credit, investment and financial analysis and their application in investment decisions and transaction structuring
- Proven business judgment and high ethical and professional standards
- Ability to manage and push through transactions to their conclusion
- Sound decision making and problem resolution skills
- Demonstrated leadership abilities while retaining ability to participate in teams
- Computer literacy, excellent spreadsheet skills
- Very good written and oral communication skills in English
- Fluency in Russian, Turkish or a Central European language is a distinct advantage
Desirable
Work experience in the Bank's countries of operations and fluency in one or more languages of those countries or a major European language
Competencies and Personal Attributes
- Excellent communication skills and ability to operate sensitively in multicultural environments and build effective working relations with colleagues
- Excellent diplomatic skills and ability to work successfully with a wide variety of people at senior government and business level
- Strong marketing and negotiation skills
- A professional and enthusiastic approach to working; ability to work to and meet tight deadlines in a changing environment
- High ethical and professional standards and ability to promote good business practices and corporate governance
- Ability to plan and organise work unsupervised
- Willingness to travel to and work in EBRD countries of operations
This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed and the incumbent may be requested to perform other relevant duties as required by business needs.