We are an early-stage venture capital firm investing in globally ambitious technology companies emerging from New Zealand and Australia, with active syndication into North America, Asia and Europe.
We are seeking a VC Associate or Senior Associate trained in a leading US or European venture ecosystem who is looking for a fast path to greater responsibility, deeper exposure, and earlier carry participation than is typical in northern hemisphere funds.
This role is designed for investors who want to build real investment judgement and deal execution, not just deal support.
WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT:
At our firm, Associates are not siloed. You will:
Take ownership of deals from the first meeting through to Investment Committee approval, and critically. portfolio support
Develop conviction and present directly to the Investment Committee
Work closely with founders on company formation, hiring, and international expansion
Participate meaningfully in fund carry earlier than is standard in Northern Hemisphere funds
Australia and New Zealand offer a high-signal, low-noise working investment environment with strong technical founders, capital-efficient companies, and unusually early access to boards and strategy.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Investment sourcing & evaluation
Originate and lead early-stage deal sourcing across priority sectors
Conduct technical, commercial, and market diligence
Build investment theses and memos for IC discussion
Develop independent views on risk, upside, and portfolio construction
Portfolio engagement
Work directly with founders post-investment
Support follow-on fundraising with international investors
Assist with hiring, corporate partnering, and go-to-market strategy
Participate in board meetings (observer or director, depending on experience)
Global syndication & ecosystem engagement
Maintain active relationships with US/EU funds and angels
Represent the firm at international conferences and partner meetings
Help bring offshore capital and expertise into NZ-based companies
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
We are open on background, but expect most candidates to have:
An ownership mindset – we are not seeking people who only see themselves as “employees”
2–6+ years of experience in:
Venture capital (seed to Series A), or
Corporate venture, or
Operating roles in venture-backed technology companies
Training in a recognised US, Asian European venture ecosystem
Strong analytical skills combined with founder empathy
Comfort forming and defending independent investment views
Interest in deep tech, climate, life sciences, or frontier technologies
This role is not suited to candidates seeking narrow execution-only responsibilities.
COMPENSATION & ECONOMICS
We aim to be transparent and globally relevant:
Competitive base salary (benchmarked to international VC roles, adjusted for NZ context)
Earlier-than-market norms access to carried interest, aligned with role and performance
Co-investment opportunities alongside the fund
Clear progression path (Associate → Senior Associate → Principal-> Associate Partner ->Partner > Managing Partner)
A Working Visa and a contribution to relocation costs are available for international candidates.
LOCATION & GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY
Primary base in New Zealand (Auckland preferred)
Regular travel to the Australia and occasional to US, Europe, and Asia
Active participation in global syndicates and follow-on rounds
This role is intended to accelerate, not pause, your international venture career.
WHY NEW ZEALAND, PROFESSIONALLY
For the right investor, New Zealand offers:
Faster path to real investment responsibility
Broader exposure across sectors and stages
Early board-level experience
A globally respected but underexploited innovation base
Many Pacific Channel alumni of similar roles go on to:
Partner and Managing Partner roles
Raise independent or associated funds
Join top-tier global VC firms
Build or lead venture-backed companies
APPLICATION PROCESS
We value thoughtful applications. Shortlisted candidates will meet Partners and IC members and discuss:
Prior deals and judgement calls
Investment failures and lessons learned
How this role fits into a long-term venture career
CLOSING NOTE
This role is not a lifestyle sabbatical, although it does offer the opportunity to work and live in a city and country that is consistently rated as offering a globally leading quality of life. It is a demanding, high-responsibility investing role with global expectations - offered in an environment that rewards ownership, judgement, and initiative earlier than most larger VC markets.
If the above sounds interesting as your next career move, please apply now by sending your CV to andrea@pacificchannel.com. Please also get in touch via email if you would like more information or to have a confidential chat to one of our team.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5PM FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2026