Associate, Primary

Job Description Summary

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 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.

HarbourVest is currently seeking candidates for an Associate position in the Asia Primary Investment Group.  

As an Associate, you will be responsible for evaluating fund investment opportunities across the Venture Capital, Growth Equity and Private Equity markets, across Asia. 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 the broader Asia team, conducting reference calls with portfolio companies and presenting opportunities to our Asia and Global Investment Committees.

The ideal candidate is someone who has:

• Keen interest in primary fund investing and demonstrates intellectual curiosity

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

• Strong quantitative skills with deep experience in Excel

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

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

• High level of maturity with ability to multi-task

What you will do:

• Primary partnership due diligence and investments – 60% of time

  • Perform due diligence on private investment fund opportunities, including preparing detailed performance and benchmarking analyses, participating in manager diligence meetings, making reference calls, and conducting independent research

  • Prepare written investment recommendation memorandum

  • Develop a comprehensive knowledge on private equity manager landscape in Asia across key countries, source and evaluate new fund investment opportunities

• Monitoring existing partnership investments – 30% of time

  • Monitor primary fund investments through annual meeting coverage, reviewing quarterly and annual reports, and participating in portfolio update calls. Share portfolio updates with the broader Asia team in a timely manner

  • As part of the market monitoring efforts, you will also be involved in tracking private equity market trends and key events in Asia on regular basis

• Supporting fundraising and client servicing – 10% of time

  • Support senior professionals with fundraising and marketing requests

  • Provide data analysis or investment updates for client programs on as needed basis

Education

• BS/BA or equivalent

Work Experience

• 4+ years in financial services including fund of funds, investment banking, consulting, transaction services as well as broader alternative asset management

Language

• Fluency in English and second Asian language preferably Mandarin and/or Japanese

Location

• Hong Kong; open to those based in Singapore and looking to relocate