Working with venture capital clients is something quite different. It's a fast-moving environment where you'll work alongside investors backing some of the world's most innovative and ambitious businesses. 

We spoke to three members of HFL's Venture Capital team to find out what it's really like, what makes the work rewarding and why it offers an exciting career path. 

What makes Venture Capital different? 

For Fund Accounting Assistant Manager Nick Vaudin, joining HFL from a Big Four accountancy firm meant seeing fund administration from a completely different perspective. 

"Unlike traditional private equity (PE) fund administration clients, VC funds operate at a much faster pace. Transactions complete quickly and there's a wide variety of investment types, often pushing technological boundaries." 

For Senior Fund Administrator Lotte Parfit, who previously worked with open-ended funds, the biggest difference was moving away from routine processes. 

"In open-ended funds, the work was very process-driven, with daily Net Asset Values (NAVs) and dealing creating a consistent routine. In contrast, VC is much less repetitive and far more event-driven." 

That variety gives the team exposure to the full investment lifecycle and a closer view of how venture capital funds – and the businesses they back – develop over time. 

More than fund administration 

Working in venture capital isn't simply about processing transactions. At HFL, the team works alongside investment advisers, lawyers and client boards throughout the investment lifecycle. 

With the majority of client board directors based within HFL, the team has direct access to decision-makers, helping practical issues to be resolved quickly and collaboratively. 

Fund Administration Manager Holly Pearson explains: 

"You're working with clients to navigate practical issues as they arise. That makes you feel part of the decision-making process rather than just reporting on outcomes." 

That level of involvement also creates opportunities to develop. Working with different stakeholders, supporting investment activity and responding to changing client requirements helps build technical knowledge alongside communication, organisation and commercial awareness. 

Seeing the impact 

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with venture capital clients is seeing the businesses behind the investments develop. 

For Nick, that can mean recognising a company the team has worked with out in the real world. For Lotte, it's seeing businesses progress from early-stage investments through to successful distributions. 

"The companies can be really interesting... seeing them from startup to years down the line when we do distributions, and they've grown massively. It's really interesting and rewarding to see," says Lotte. 

Why HFL? 

For Nick, Holly and Lotte, it's not just the work that makes HFL different. It's the people and the relationships they build with clients. 

"At HFL, we're genuinely selective about the clients we work with. It's about more than just revenue. That means we build real trust with clients and they give us the autonomy to get on and do great work," says Nick. 

For Lotte, the team around her is equally important. 

"HFL has a genuinely positive and inclusive work environment. The team is extremely supportive, and there's a strong sense that people genuinely care about one another." 

Is Venture Capital right for you? 

Venture capital fund administration can suit people from a range of financial services backgrounds – from fund administration and accounting to audit and private wealth. More important is an appetite for responsibility, variety and continuous learning. 

"VC work suits people who like pace and being close to live activity rather than working to fixed cycles. You need to be proactive, adaptable and comfortable with change," says Holly. 

Nick agrees that mindset matters most: 

"If you come in with an open mind, you'll get a lot out of it. The pace keeps things interesting and you've always got people around you who want to help you grow." 

Whether you're taking your first step into venture capital or looking for a new challenge within funds, you'll be part of a collaborative team where you'll be trusted with responsibility, encouraged to keep learning and given the opportunity to build a rewarding career. 

Explore our current opportunities here.