Background
Our client is a European private equity firm specialising in growth-capital investment in deep-tech companies. The firm backs technology-rich, IP-driven businesses with substantial revenue and helps them scale globally, typically investing EUR 10 million to EUR 50 million per company. It invests exclusively in B2B deep-tech companies with proprietary IP, with a strong weighting toward semiconductors at approximately 35 to 40 percent of the portfolio, alongside energy and mobility, advanced materials, photonics, cybersecurity, aerospace, and connected-health devices and software. An AI and data dimension is central to the investment thesis across all sectors. The firm does not invest in bio, consumer, or web-service businesses.
The firm takes an active, control-oriented approach to value creation. Even where it holds a minority stake, it secures the right to appoint key executives including the CFO, and engages intensively across the full value chain, from technology assessment through operational execution, global business development and M&A.
Its latest global fund is approaching a final close at close to EUR 1 billion in scale. Building on this multi-fund platform, the firm is extending its model into several new markets in Asia and North America through dedicated local funds. In Korea, a won-denominated fund backed by domestic institutional investors is planned, and this role will be central to building it out.
Based in Seoul and working directly with the Korea leadership, the Investment Director / Executive Director will play a central role in building the firm's investment activity in Korea. This is a deal-facing, partner-track position spanning the full investment cycle, from sourcing and execution through hands-on value creation and exit, with meaningful international exposure to the firm's European headquarters and overseas teams. Title will be set according to seniority, from Director through Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities
Source, evaluate and execute growth investments in Korean deep-tech companies with proprietary intellectual property
Lead the full deal process from origination and due diligence through structuring, negotiation and closing
Drive hands-on value creation across the portfolio, including global business development, operational improvement, and technology and product strategy
Lead and support M&A and exit processes for portfolio companies
Work alongside the Korea leadership on LP relationships and fundraising for the firm's Korea vehicle
Collaborate closely with the firm's European headquarters and international teams
Key Qualifications
Registration eligibility as a registered investment professional (GP) under Korea's institutional private-fund regime, requiring at least three years of asset-management experience at a recognised institution such as a financial institution, a licensed venture capital company, or an existing private-fund GP. Investment experience gained solely within a corporate or strategic investment arm of an operating company does not on its own satisfy this requirement
Substantial investment experience in venture capital or private equity with a track record in technology-company investing
Direct investment experience in the firm's focus sectors, including semiconductors, complex hardware or software, and adjacent deep-tech domains
Demonstrated M&A and investment-exit experience, with a track record of realising investments rather than solely deploying capital
Proven ability to source, execute and lead deals independently
A process-driven operator able to build processes, resolve issues and drive organisational transformation
Strong international exposure and the ability to travel extensively
Fluent Korean and strong professional English
Engineering or scientific academic background (Preferred), though equivalent depth gained through sector-focused investing is equally valued