Lakestar Visiting Analyst Program

As we have embarked on an exciting new chapter at Lakestar, fuelled by the launch of our $600m fund, we remain dedicated to supporting the next generation of European innovators and operators, just as we have with companies like Revolut, Spotify, Sennder, Builder.ai, Neko, and Isar Aerospace. 

Finding a job in VC or tech can seem daunting. The tech ecosystem still lacks the transparency and entry-level opportunities that other professions offer, so we at Lakestar want to provide you with more than just an opportunity to gain experience.

Our Visiting Analyst program reflects this vision. It is part of our commitment to help students and aspiring professionals find their place in the tech ecosystem as founders, operators or investors within the Lakestar group, or beyond. It provides a structured pathway designed to support your journey into the venture ecosystem.

We pledge to not only train and develop your skills during the Visiting Analyst program but also help place you in a meaningful role once it concludes. During your time with us, you will be an integral part of the investment team, participating in founder calls, due diligence processes, events, investment meetings, and more.

Whether that means staying with us as a full-time member of the investment team, continuing your journey as a founder's associate or an operator at one of our portfolio companies, or even stepping into a VC role elsewhere, we are dedicated to facilitating your transition into the professional world. If you work hard and show grit, dedication and the ability to learn fast during our time with us, we will find a place for you.

This is how previous candidates have advanced after their time as a Visiting Analyst at Lakestar:

Take Odin, a former Visiting Analyst who transitioned from our program into an operator role before returning to Lakestar. 

"The exposure I gained during my internship allowed me to see many different business models, teams and companies across lifecycle stages, from early-stage development to scaling. Following my time at Lakestar, I joined Trade Republic as a full-time member of the strategy team, where I gained hands-on experience navigating operational challenges in a high-growth environment. I was able to bring that experience back to Lakestar, helping me add value as part of the investment team."

Another example is Dennis, who joined Lakestar as part of the H2 Visiting Analyst cohort in 2022 and transitioned into a full member of the Investment Team.

“I remember feeling a bit anxious before my first day, meeting new colleagues, managing the tasks I’d be assigned. However, those concerns quickly vanished after the first week. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of trust and freedom I was given, especially after receiving valuable mentorship that helped me navigate my role. Since it’s hard to define a strict framework for what this job entails, the internship is truly what you make of it. Be proactive and take the initiative to learn new things.”

Our Visiting Analyst program is structured to offer maximum exposure and learning throughout the year. We run two cohorts per year:

• The H1 cohort (January to May/June)
• The H2 cohort (July/August to December)

Each cohort consists of two Visiting Analysts - one based in Berlin and one in London - giving them the chance to work closely with our team across these vibrant startup hubs for 5-6 months. This structure allows Visiting Analysts to engage with real projects and gain practical insights into the European venture capital landscape.

For transparency, here is how our selection process works:

• First Step: Submit an application including your CV, after which you will receive a questionnaire designed to assess your motivation and industry knowledge. Profiles are initially screened at this stage.
• Round 1: Numerical and logical assessments to evaluate analytical and problem-solving capabilities. 
• Round 2: A personal fit interview in a 2:1 format, centralised across all our offices. 
• Round 3: A case study and industry knowledge interview, also in a 2:1 format, with different members of the Investment Team. 

The timeline for the upcoming cohort is as follows:

• Platform opens on October 1st and remains open for 2 weeks.
• Interviews will take place over the following 3 weeks, with responses provided by the beginning of November.

“I started my career in VC as an intern myself. A successful internship is often the launchpad for a great career, and it comes down to two things: hard work and great mentorship. Hard work is what you can control - mentorship is what the organisation must provide. At Lakestar, we're committed to creating a culture of mentorship that elevates talent. I’ve personally helped many interns transition into great roles, both within and outside our ecosystem. Now, with our Visiting Analyst program, we’re doubling down on this culture of great mentorship.” Enrico Mellis, Principal at Lakestar

Find out more about the role here