You are an experienced Compliance & Risk professional with a strong understanding of BaFin’s supervisory framework for financial services providers? You thrive on taking ownership, balancing independent responsibility with collaborative teamwork, and you’re motivated by making a real impact in a fast-paced venture capital environment?
As Compliance & Risk Manager, you’ll work closely with the Head of Risk while owning all core compliance topics, including selected AML aspects, and contributing to Earlybird’s broader risk management framework, with a special focus on ESG. In this role, your expertise will directly shape our governance, strengthen our operations, and enable us to scale responsibly as one of Europe’s leading VC firms.
About Earlybird
Founded in 1997, Earlybird backs exceptional early-stage companies across Europe - supporting them with capital, strategic guidance, and access to a global network. Our platform includes dedicated strategies for tech and health, a Growth Opportunity Fund for follow-ons, and a pro-bono initiative, Vision Lab. With €2.5 billion under management and a track record of 9 IPOs and 35 trade sales, Earlybird is one of Europe’s most established venture capital firms.
At Earlybird, your projects, responsibilities, and tasks will likely include:
Own all compliance activities: monitoring, analysis, evaluation, and documentation of legal and regulatory requirements
Conduct independent risk analyses, propose action items, and coordinate with external legal experts as needed
Design and deliver internal trainings to build and maintain a strong compliance culture across the firm
Support AML-related processes and reporting obligations
Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual compliance assessments and risk reporting
Act as main point of contact for BaFin, auditors, legal counsel, and tax consultants on compliance matters
Contribute to risk management at both KVG and fund level, including IT and operational risks
Help strengthen and further embed Earlybird’s ESG strategy
Continuously suggest and implement improvements in processes, tools, and workflows
What we hope you bring to the role:
Degree in law, business administration, economics, or similar
Prior professional experience in compliance, risk management/assessment, or corporate auditing within venture capital, private equity, asset management, or financial services (ideally in Germany)
Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, in particular the KAGB
Certification as a Compliance Professional (or similar) is a plus
Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with colleagues
Comfort working in a dynamic VC environment with fewer rigid processes
