Associate - Private Equity (m/f/d)

About the Job

As a key growth accelerator, A11 partners with Europe’s most ambitious companies to connect them with top-tier talent ready to make an impact.

Project A is a Berlin-based tech investor with > EUR 1.3b in assets under management and two dedicated investment strategies: early-stage VC investments as well as co-investments with leading PE funds in buyout and growth transactions. The firm has invested in over 130 companies, which include European leaders such as sennder, Trade Republic, Spryker, LUQOM and yoummday. Our platform team of >120 functional experts provide our portfolio companies with exclusive operational support to excel in all areas of tech, growth, data and people.

Since 2016, Project A has co-invested with leading private equity funds such as EQT, Oakley, and Bregal in mid-market buyout and growth transactions. Our current fund includes 6 active portfolio companies. Now, we are taking the next step in our journey by transitioning from a co-investment-only model to a more expansive direct private equity strategy, which will focus on small-cap companies with high growth ambitions in DACH.

To support this evolution, we are launching a new buyout fund with c. €200m in equity commitments and are looking for a (Senior) Associate to become part of the inaugural team led by two experienced Private Equity Partners - entrepreneurial, based in Berlin and part of a vibrant tech investing platform.

In this role, you’ll:

As a (Senior) Associate - Private Equity at Project A, you will take on a highly entrepreneurial role and actively shape the build-up of our new direct investment strategy. Your responsibilities will cover the whole deal cycle:

• Applied AI: Continuously improving the investment workflows and portfolio value creation through application of customized AI tools and processes.
• Deal Sourcing & Origination: Identifying investment themes and actively sourcing platform and add-on investment opportunities. Building and leveraging networks, initiating outreach, proactively meeting potential targets and identifying off-market deal flow.
• Financial, Company & Market Analysis: Deep market research, competitive benchmarking, financial modelling including LBO modelling, preparing investment memos and sharpening the deal thesis.
• Due Diligence & Deal Execution: Supporting and coordinating due diligence workstreams (commercial, financial, legal, tax, operational, tech, ESG) and acquisition financing, as well as supporting SPA negotiations.
• Portfolio Support & Value Creation: Supporting the portfolio companies post-acquisition as non-executive board member, helping define growth and operational strategies, identifying and executing add-ons, and preparing for exits.

Your Profile:

• Outstanding academic background: Bachelor, Master or MBA from leading university with excellent study results
• Relevant Experience: 2+ years working experience in small- or mid-cap private equity, corporate M&A, investment banking or strategy consulting.
• Corporate Finance Expertise: Proven through work in financial modelling (LBO etc.), commercial and/or financial due diligence, M&A or transaction advisory.
• Analytical & Entrepreneurial Mindset: Excellent analytical skills, curious, proactive, self-motivated, able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication & Stakeholder Skills: Capable of interacting with a diverse range of stakeholders from blue and white collar industries including entrepreneurs, management teams, external advisors, legal/finance counterparties. Persuasive and confident, yet down to earth.
• Languages: Fluent in German and English.
• Personality Fit: Driven, collaborative, pragmatic, with a true entrepreneurial passion for building companies, and fun to share an office with!

Please note that this position is based in Berlin.

Benefits and Perks:

• Impact & Visibility: You will play a key role in shaping and building the direct private equity strategy and have high visibility in the organisation.
• Autonomy: Significant freedom to source deals, lead analysis, and influence decisions.
• Growth & Development: Broad exposure across the investment lifecycle, opportunities to grow into senior roles over time.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with an experienced investment team and with our platform experts (operational, data, tech etc.) in a dynamic, fast-growing tech investment platform with an uncompromising team culture: fun, humble and meritocratic.

Compensation: Competitive salary plus carry participation in the fund.

If you’re eager to join the A11 Ecosystem and shape what’s next, we want to hear from you!

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

A11 is committed to diverse and equal opportunities hiring for all – applicants, candidates, and employees alike. We value humans – with all our glorious multifaceted backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences – and look forward to your application.