Investment Manager (Deep Tech)
Turn world-leading Cambridge research into ambitious deep-tech ventures, investing in breakthrough ideas across quantum, materials, photonics and energy to shape a better future.

West Cambridge | From £50,000 | Full-time | Hybrid working (2 days from home)
Most investors back companies. Here, you’ll help create them.
At Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, you will work with world-leading researchers, ambitious founders and experienced investors to turn breakthrough science from the University of Cambridge into companies that can change industries, improve lives and tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. You'll play a direct, hands-on role in sourcing, building and funding deep tech ventures across areas such as quantum computing, advanced materials, photonics and energy technologies.
Why you will love this role:
Working at the intersection of science, innovation and investment, you'll spot promising technologies long before they reach the market and help shape them into investable businesses. One day you might be exploring a new area of research with a leading academic. The next, you'll be building an investment case, supporting a founder through fundraising, or helping secure backing from a syndicate of investors.
This is a role with real breadth and genuine autonomy. You will own the investment journey end-to-end: sourcing deals, negotiating term sheets, taking board observer seats, and leveraging your network to help founders find potential commercial and non-executive director talent.
What is in it for you? You will play a vital role in enabling the translation of cutting-edge ideas into commercial success, backed by a team whose spin-outs have gone on to raise over £3bn from other investors. Alongside early deal-making independence and a front-row seat to world-changing innovation, you will build an exceptional reputation and network at the very heart of Europe's most successful tech ecosystem.
What we're looking for:
Strong technical background with a degree in a relevant physical science discipline
Experience of commercialising technology, in either a technology transfer or commercial environment
Experience of managing investments into spin out or start-up companies
Strong financial skills and clear business sense
Must be confident and credible in the environment of world class academic research
Engages in ‘what-if’ thinking to consider future implications and weigh the benefits and risks attached with actions
Ability to work with others to reach consensus decisions and use sound judgement in making difficult decisions in a timely manner.
Works well as a team member, and actively seeks to cultivate a broad network of working relationships, paired with the ability to work independently
Evidence of drive, an ability to identify phases and activities needed to achieve goals, plus the ability to complete matters in a timely manner
A high level of customer focus; articulate, with clear and demonstrable business sense
Nice to have:
PhD in a relevant science discipline, or experience in a relevant role
Exposure to University-derived technology companies with high growth potential
A good understanding of several sectors within the relevant sciences
Bring financial and commercial expertise to bear on the evaluation of investment opportunities
Understanding and experience of working with University Technology transfer offices to license IP or spin out new ventures
Track record of successful, relevant achievements and networks in academia and business
Please see full job description -> Investment Manager (Deep Tech) job description
Diversity and equality matter:
These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they check every single box. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so if you feel you have most of the skills and experience needed, we’d love to hear from you.
If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact the People and Culture team at people@enterprise.cam.ac.uk
Why Cambridge Enterprise?
We are at the heart of Europe's most successful research and technology cluster and we're on a mission to bring innovation to life, making a difference to society, the UK economy, and the University of Cambridge. We connect the innovative minds of the University’s academics with the funding, start-up expertise and commercial relationships they need to help their ideas thrive.
Our success stories include an electric vehicle charging technology that's as convenient as filling up with petrol, a programme to prevent ideological extremism, and the world's first treatment for a rare cause of blindness. Now, we need an Investment Manager (Deep Tech) to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.
Perks at a glance:
30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
Class-leading Bupa private medical insurance
Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
Generous University pension scheme
A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning
Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling
Access to Bupa’s Menopause Plan for expert advice and support
Retail and travel discounts
Key dates:
Closing date: 30 September
First interviews (online): 19-20 October 2026
Second interviews (in-person): 26 - 27 October 2026
If we get a strong response, we may close the role a little earlier than planned. This could mean the timelines or key dates shift slightly, so we’d recommend applying soon.
- Department
- Ventures
- Locations
- Cambridge - Hauser Forum
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Employment type
- Full-time
About Cambridge Enterprise
Cambridge Enterprise translates world-leading research to create economic and social impact with global significance. With strong relationships with the University of Cambridge, industry, investors and visionaries, we are uniquely positioned within the UK’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.