ISO: Associate – Defence & Security Tech Fund (Amsterdam)

About the Job

KEEN Venture Partners is a radically human venture capital firm that invests in fast-growing European technology companies. Based in Amsterdam, our team of 9 manages €270m in commitments across two funds, and we are now launching a new Defence & Security Technology Fund to invest in dual-use companies that strengthen Europe’s resilience and technological edge.

Our portfolio includes companies such as Beekeeper, Mollie, Plan A, and Crisp, among others. At Keen, we are thesis-driven investors: we back founders who are redefining industries and address fundamental shifts in technology.

We are now looking to add an Associate to our Amsterdam-based Defence & Security Tech Fund team — a high-performing, curious, and mission-aligned individual who wants to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of European dual-use innovation.

Responsibilities

Investment Sourcing & Execution

• Identify, evaluate, and execute investments in dual-use and deep tech startups (Seed to Series B).
• Conduct market mapping, pipeline management, and due diligence on target companies.
• Engage directly with founders, conduct interviews, and synthesize complex technical and market information into concise investment materials.
• Draft and present investment memos to the partnership.

Research & Thematic Development

• Build and refine investment theses in key areas such as defence technology, AI, autonomy, space, and critical infrastructure.
• Monitor market trends, geopolitical developments, and emerging European technology ecosystems.
• Contribute to Keen’s thesis-driven approach through structured research and original insights.

Operational & Portfolio Support

• Support ongoing portfolio management and value creation efforts across Defence & Security Tech investments.
• Collaborate with portfolio company leaders on strategic initiatives and performance tracking.
• Drive internal process improvements to enhance the fund’s operations and decision-making.

Community & Ecosystem Engagement

• Help grow Keen’s network across defence, security, and deep tech ecosystems in Europe.
• Represent the fund at relevant events, conferences, and pitch days.
• Build authentic relationships with founders, co-investors, and industry experts.

About You

Analytical & Investment Skills

• Solid exposure to venture capital investments, ideally from Seed to Series B, with experience in pipeline management, due diligence, and market analysis.
• Strong understanding of financial concepts and the ability to evaluate business models and metrics.
• Comfortable building investment memos, conducting founder interviews, and translating complex technical topics into actionable insights.

Sector Curiosity

• Genuine passion for defence, national security, geopolitics, and critical technologies.
• Exposure to or curiosity about deep tech or dual-use innovation (e.g., space, drones, AI, hardware, cyber).

Operational Hustle

• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments.
• Comfortable operating independently, managing multiple priorities, and bringing fresh, creative thinking to the table.

Team & Culture Fit

• Strong communicator, humble, and low-ego collaborator.
• Naturally curious, well-connected, and relationship-oriented.
• Driven by a shared mission to strengthen Europe through technological innovation.

Job Info & How to Apply

• Location: Amsterdam
• Start date: Flexible, ideally early 2026
• How to apply: Send your resume and a few sentences on why you want to join Keen’s Defence & Security Tech Fund to federica@thebigsearch.com. The object of the mail needs to be 'Application Associate @ Keen Defence and Security Fund'.

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