Investment Analyst

About the Company

Founded in 2014, CLP is a specialist European venture debt fund investing in high-growth technology companies. We have invested in over 90 companies across Europe, with typical investments ranging from €3m to €25m. We partner with leading venture capital firms and founders to provide structured growth capital with a disciplined credit approach. As a focused investment team, we offer meaningful responsibility, direct exposure to decision-making and the opportunity to contribute to investment outcomes.

About the Role

Columbia Lake Partners is a specialist European venture debt fund investing in high-growth technology companies. We are looking for an Investment Analyst to join our investment team. This role is designed for someone who wants to build deep credit judgement, advanced financial modelling capability and strong commercial insight early in their career.

As an Analyst, you will develop a rigorous understanding of venture debt underwriting while supporting the execution and monitoring of investments across our portfolio.

Your analysis will directly inform investment decisions, and you will contribute meaningfully to discussions alongside senior team members from an early stage. You will gain exposure to live transactions, portfolio monitoring and Investment Committee processes.

As a small team, Analysts receive close mentorship and regular feedback from senior investment colleagues. The typical progression path is Analyst to Associate, with increasing responsibility for underwriting, credit judgement and direct company interaction. We provide structured feedback and performance discussions to ensure clear development goals and visibility on progression. We hold high standards of analytical rigour and intellectual honesty in our investment work.

Responsibilities

Financial modelling & credit analysis

• Build and maintain robust financial models for prospective and portfolio companies
• Analyse cash flow durability, liquidity runway, unit economics, revenue quality, churn dynamics and margin sustainability
• Conduct downside and sensitivity analysis
• Identify key credit risks and articulate mitigants

Transaction execution

• Support underwriting of new investments through detailed review of financial statements and due diligence materials
• Draft sections of the investment memo for the Investment Committee
• Contribute to discussions on structure, covenants, security packages and downside protection

Portfolio monitoring

• Collect and analyse financial reporting from portfolio companies
• Identify early warning signals and emerging risks
• Update internal reporting systems and contribute to quarterly business reviews

Market & sector insight

• Develop strong understanding of the European venture ecosystem
• Track relevant sectors and identify companies of interest
• Build pattern recognition across business models and financing structures

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in finance or related quantitative discipline, or Bachelor’s degree plus ACA (or equivalent accounting background)
• Typically, 18 months to 3 years of experience in an analytical finance environment - we place greater weight on demonstrated modelling capability and potential than exact tenure

You should be able to:

• Build a clean, auditable financial model from limited information
• Translate financial analysis into clear investment conclusions
• Demonstrate strong grounding in corporate finance and cash flow analysis
• Demonstrate understanding of capital structures, debt instruments and covenant mechanics
• Take initiative, actively seek feedback and act on it
• Demonstrate a strong interest in technology
• Confirm your right to work in the UK

Working Style

In line with our values of Collaboration, Curiosity and Transparency, we look for:

• Intellectual curiosity and a desire to understand how businesses operate
• High attention to detail combined with sound commercial judgement
• Effective collaboration within a small, high-accountability team
• Clear and structured written and verbal communication
• Strong organisation and time management

Benefits

• Competitive base salary + annual bonus
• Pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Private Medical Insurance (including mental health support) with BUPA
• Private dental cover with BUPA
• Travel insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• 25 days annual leave
• Generous family leave policies with a supportive return-to-work approach (taking family leave does not limit progression or opportunity at CLP)
• Volunteering policy enabling donation matching or time to support causes important to you

Our Commitment

We are committed to building a team where people feel able to contribute, challenge and grow, regardless of background.

We monitor pay equity and are committed to equal pay for equal work across the firm. Progression decisions are based on transparent performance criteria. We regularly seek team feedback and track engagement and psychological safety to ensure individuals feel heard and supported.

We encourage applications from individuals who may be underrepresented in venture and private credit and recognise that strong candidates may not meet every listed requirement.

About Columbia Lake Partners

Founded in 2014, CLP is a specialist European venture debt fund investing in high-growth technology companies. We have invested in over 90 companies across Europe, with typical investments ranging from €3m to €25m. We partner with leading venture capital firms and founders to provide structured growth capital with a disciplined credit approach. As a focused investment team, we offer meaningful responsibility, direct exposure to decision-making and the opportunity to contribute to investment outcomes.