We're Hiring for our 2024 Internship Programme!

Overview

Synthesis Capital ("Synthesis") is a leading venture capital investor focused on investing in global food technology and synthetic biology companies that are redefining our existing food system. Synthesis backs visionary founders focused on removing animals from the food supply chain and accelerating the transition to alternative proteins, a high-growth and high-impact sector that is seeking to solve major global challenges, including food security, climate change, biodiversity loss, animal welfare, and human health. The firm invests in early-stage startups across the alternative protein value-chain, with a primary focus on technologies upstream of the end product.

Synthesis is currently investing out of its first fund, which closed at over $300M in mid-2022. To date, the firm has made 10 investments. The team is now excited to be looking for an intellectually curious and enthusiastic intern who is highly motivated by Synthesis’s mission, and is willing to get involved in many different aspects of the firm. The internship will be an exciting and varied role, and provide the opportunity to gain venture capital investment experience and learn about a rapidly emerging and innovative sector, alongside a small, driven team. It will also provide the individual with a great training ground that could be a stepping stone into a career in venture capital.

The individual will work closely with the firm’s investment team, and support work streams throughout the entire investment lifecycle, as well as other firm-level priorities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Sub-sector deep-dives: undertake market research and competitor landscape analysis on targeted alternative protein / synbio sub-sectors to build the firm’s knowledge base in these areas and form a view on any potential investment opportunities.
• Deal screening: assess new prospects for potential fit with Synthesis’ investment focus, and participate in initial calls with startup founders.
• Due diligence: support investment team members on any live diligence processes, including company meetings, reference calls, market analysis and sizing, financial and commercial analysis.
• Portfolio oversight: support investment team members on value creation activities for existing portfolio companies.
• Systems and Pipeline: ensure CRM is kept up to date; maintain deal pipeline database.
• Platform: support the team on other priorities as required, including the production of fundraising materials, preparation for prospective investor meetings, contribution to research pieces and insight blogs.

Who We're Looking For

• Personal interest and motivation to work within the food technology / alternative protein sector
  
• High emotional intelligence, humility, and ability to adapt to working and interacting with a range of personality types
• Intellectually curious and open minded to new ideas and perspectives
• Willing to challenge and be challenged in investment discussions
• Strong team player with the ability to work well in a small, collaborative and close-knit team and build relationships quickly
• Proactive, and willing to taking the initiative, particularly in supporting the team to optimise their efficiency and productivity
• Excellent verbal and written communicator
• Strongly aligned with Synthesis’s mission, with an understanding of the environmental and social importance of transforming the global food system
• Motivated to pursue a career in venture capital

Required Skillset

• Bachelor’s degree
• Outstanding quantitative and qualitative problem solving and analytical skills, including ability to critically interpret analysis
• Strong commercial acumen, with an understanding of the factors that drive successful business performance
• Ability to clearly synthesise large amounts of information, and communicate key takeaways, conclusions, and viewpoints verbally and in writing
• Able to blend a strategic and highly detail-oriented approach to work
• Experience with creating and evaluating financial models and statements
• Strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
• Past financial markets, consulting, investment or operator experience is desirable

Interested?

We welcome applications from all candidates who have the required skillset.

This is a paid three-month internship that will be based at the Synthesis offices in London. The start date is flexible, and further details can be discussed at interview.

To apply for this role, please email [email protected]al and include:

• Your CV
• 300 words on a theme or startup in the food tech sector that excites you, and why