Senior Associate – Deeptech / Integrated Photonics VC

Location: Hilversum, the Netherlands
Language Requirement: Professional proficiency in English (Dutch is a plus)
Experience: At least 3 years of experience in deep-tech VC, technology M&A, strategy consulting, or a related field is a minimum requirement.
Start Date: Flexible
Work Authorization: Candidates must have the right to work in the EU and be willing to relocate to the Netherlands if not already based here. Please note that PhotonVentures does not sponsor visas or relocation.

PhotonVentures is the world’s only venture capital fund exclusively focused on integrated photonics. We are an independent spin-off and strategic partner of PhotonDelta, the European hub for integrated photonics. We invest in companies developing transformative solutions powered by photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and support them at every stage, from lab to fab to market.

Our approach goes far beyond financing. We spend significant time understanding the underlying science, the technological roadmaps, and the commercial forces that define this rapidly growing field. This deep sector knowledge allows us to identify exceptional opportunities early and to guide founders with a combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and practical support.

Our portfolio includes more than sixteen investments across areas such as AI data centers, quantum computing, and augmented reality. We typically invest from Seed to Series A, with initial tickets between €1 and €2.5 million. Alongside capital, we provide access to an extensive international network of partners, customers, and industry leaders. Our mission is to accelerate the rise of the next generation of photonics champions.

If you are passionate about early-stage deep tech investing and enjoy working closely with founders to turn groundbreaking ideas into scalable businesses, we would be excited to have you join our team. We have successfully closed our first fund and are now actively investing while preparing for our next raise. You will be joining us at an exciting moment, with the opportunity to shape how our team and fund evolve and grow.

Your Role

As a Senior Associate, you will take significant ownership of sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities while working closely with the General Partners on investment decisions and portfolio strategy. As an integral member of our small and collaborative team, you will contribute across both investment activities and organizational development as we prepare for our next fund. Your work will directly influence our strategy, culture, and long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Investment Execution

  • Build and maintain a strong pipeline of investment opportunities through proactive sourcing across research institutions, startups, and industry networks.
  • Identify, assess, and execute early-stage investments in integrated photonics and adjacent deep tech sectors
  • Lead or contribute to due diligence across technical, commercial, financial, and legal aspects
  • Prepare clear, high-quality investment materials and presentations for the Investment Committee
  • Support deal structuring and maintain active involvement with portfolio companies after investment

2. Portfolio Management

  • You will work directly with founders and leadership teams, gaining exposure to board discussions, strategic decision-making, and company building at the earliest stages.
  • Provide proactive support to portfolio companies through value-added analysis, strategic projects, and sector intelligence
  • Monitor performance, identify key developments, and communicate insights to the investment team and stakeholders
  • Assist partners in their board or observer roles to enhance portfolio company governance and strategic alignment
3. Organisational Development & Operations
  • Improve and implement internal processes around sourcing, due diligence, reporting, and portfolio monitoring
  • Help manage interns and contribute to knowledge sharing and team development
  • Support fundraising operations, including LP engagement, data room preparation, and fund metrics
4. Market & Ecosystem Intelligence
  • Conduct research and analysis on sector trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies
  • Build and maintain relationships with founders, researchers, co-investors, and industry stakeholders around the world

Your Profile

  • English proficient (C2) and Dutch is a plus (in writing and spoken)
  • At least three years of experience in deep tech venture capital, technology M&A, strategy consulting, or a related field is required.
  • Strong academic background. A technical degree (for example, in photonics, physics, or engineering) is a plus
  • A genuine interest in early-stage deep tech investing and a strong affinity for integrated photonics. You do not need to be a photonics expert, but you are curious, eager to learn, and motivated to engage deeply with the technology
  • Work Authorization: Candidates must have the right to work in the EU and be willing to relocate to the Netherlands if not already based here. Please note that PhotonVentures does not sponsor visas or relocation.

We understand that candidates come from diverse paths. If you do not meet every listed requirement but believe you would thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Preferred Skills & Traits:

  • We are a small, hands-on organisation where everyone’s contribution matters. We value initiative, collaboration, and a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset to help us grow together
  • Experience across the investment lifecycle, from sourcing and due diligence to execution and portfolio management
  • Strong analytical and financial modelling skills, with a solid understanding of valuation and investment frameworks
  • Excellent networking and presentation abilities. You are confident representing PhotonVentures externally, comfortable engaging with founders and investors, and skilled at building meaningful long-term relationships through conferences, panels, and industry events
  • Organised and structured, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
  • Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-moving team environment
  • Experience mentoring others or contributing to a team’s growth is valued
  • Collaborative mindset, open to giving and receiving feedback, and comfortable working with diverse people and perspectives
What We Offer
  • A meaningful role in a growing VC fund at the forefront of European deeptech
  • Exposure to some of the most promising photonics startups in Europe
  • Competitive compensation, including salary and carry (based on experience)
  • Hybrid working model: three days in our Hilversum office, two days remote
  • A collaborative, inclusive, and informal team culture where everyone’s voice matters
  • The opportunity to grow with the fund and help shape its future
How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief motivation outlining your experience with early-stage deeptech and the area within photonics you find most promising over the next ten years from an early-stage investment perspective (maximum 500 words, in Dutch or English) to: Flo Pattiwael – flo@photonventures.vc

We look forward to hearing from you!