Job Description: Equity Partner - Founding Team - Venture Capital
Company: Open Capital Partners
Location: London, United Kingdom
Focus: Private Equity / Venture Capital (Series A/B), Distress, Turnarounds, Pre-IPO
About Open Capital Partners
Open Capital Partners is an advisory, private equity and venture capital firm based in the heart of London. We specialise in identifying, supporting and investing in high-potential technology companies at critical inflection points. Our unique investment thesis focuses on Series A and B rounds with an emphasis on special situations, including distress, strategic turnarounds, and guiding companies toward successful early-stage IPOs.
Our mission is to provide not just capital, but intensive, hands-on operational and strategic support to unlock exceptional value. We are a partnership of experienced operators and investors committed to building resilient, market-defining companies.
The Role: A Unique Partner Opportunity
We are seeking a highly experienced and entrepreneurial Partner to join our leadership team in London. This is a senior Partner role requiring a significant capital contribution (to be negotiated) to both the firm's partnership, investments and our investment funds.
The successful candidate will be a key decision-maker, playing a pivotal role in shaping the firm's investment strategy, driving portfolio performance, and building upon our reputation for excellence in complex, high-stakes investment scenarios. You will act as a full partner, sharing in the risks, responsibilities, and substantial rewards of our collective success.
Key Responsibilities
Investment Strategy & Execution:
Lead all aspects of the investment lifecycle, from sourcing and origination of proprietary deals to rigorous due diligence, financial modelling, valuation, and transaction structuring.
Champion and execute complex investments in our target sectors, leveraging your expertise in turnaround and distress situations.
Present and defend investment theses before the Investment Committee.
Be an active member of the Investment Committee.
Portfolio Management & Value Creation:
Take an active, hands-on role with portfolio companies, typically through board seats and direct C-level engagement.
Provide intensive strategic, operational, and financial guidance to management teams to navigate challenges, drive growth, and achieve key milestones.
Steer companies through restructuring and turnaround processes, preparing them for scalable growth and successful exits, with a focus on pre-IPO positioning.
Capital Contribution (to be negotaited) & Firm Development:
Make a substantial personal capital commitment (to be negotiated) to the partnership, investments and subsequent funds, ensuring full alignment of interests with other investors and Limited Partners (LPs).
Play an integral role in future fundraising activities, leveraging your network to cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with a wide range of investors including LPs, family offices, and institutional investors.
Contribute to the overall strategic direction, brand reputation, culture, and governance of Open Capital Partners.
Team Leadership & Ecosystem Engagement:
Act as a mentor and leader within the firm, developing and guiding junior members of the investment team.
Represent Open Capital Partners at industry events, positioning the firm as a thought leader in our specialised investment niche.
Candidate Profile: Qualifications & Experience
Track Record: A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in venture capital, private equity, or investment banking, with a demonstrable and exceptional track record of sourcing, executing, and managing successful investments.
Specialised Expertise: Proven experience in turnaround, distressed, or special situations investing is essential. A history of successful exits (both M&A and IPOs) is highly desirable.
Operational Acumen: Hands-on operational experience is a significant advantage. Former founders, C-level executives, or turnaround specialists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Network: An extensive and high-quality network within the European technology and investment ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, co-investors, corporate executives, and capital allocators.
Capital Commitment: The personal financial capacity and willingness to make a significant capital commitment as an Equity Partner.
Education: An MBA or equivalent advanced degree from a top-tier institution; and/or a qualified professional such as a chartered accountant, a chartered financial analyst, a corporate financier or a solicitor is preferred.
Key Personal Attributes
Entrepreneurial Mindset: A proactive, self-starting individual with a hunger for building and creating value.
Resilience & Tenacity: The ability to thrive in high-pressure situations and navigate complex challenges with conviction and a calm demeanour.
High Integrity: Unimpeachable ethical standards and a commitment to transparency and partnership.
Strategic & Analytical Thinker: The ability to see the bigger picture while remaining deeply analytical and detail-oriented.
Collaborative Leader: A team-oriented individual who can build consensus, inspire others, and lead by example.
What We Offer
A rare opportunity to join a dynamic and specialised advisory and PE/VC firm as a full Partner.
A significant equity stake in the management company, investments and substantial carried interest in the funds.
The autonomy to shape investment strategy and build a market-leading portfolio.
A collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and high-performance culture driven by a shared vision for success.
To Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and (optional) a confidential cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for the role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.