Job summary:
We are looking for an ambitious in-house (Senior) Legal Counsel to support our mission to be transformative investors in the most transformative companies and to deliver a world-class legal experience to Icehouse Venture stakeholders including colleagues, investors, startups, founders and the broader early-stage venture ecosystem.

About the role:
You will play a pivotal role in the IV legal team providing pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice tailored to Icehouse Ventures’ needs on matters relating to all aspects of the fund raising, investment, portfolio management and day-to-day operations, including:

• Investment transactions: Driving the legal components/aspects of the investment process from negotiating and signing a term sheet to funds transfer, including undertaking legal due diligence, and reviewing and negotiating investment documentation and cap tables in an efficient and pragmatic manner.

• Fund formation: Contribute to establishing, launching, and executing on new funds including instructing and managing external counsel in relation to fund establishment and ongoing fund compliance. Supporting team with investor related legal enquiries and creating legal related content benefitting investors.

• Post investment support: Provide hands-on support, introductions, resources and insights to our portfolio companies as part of our portfolio services offering. Creating and running legal related workshops / office hours / and content that benefit startups.

• Exits: Advise on Icehouse Ventures’ position (including reviewing and commenting on sale documentation) when portfolio companies undergo an exit process.

Other responsibilities:

• Provide internal legal support to all functions across the team.

• Work alongside the rest of the team to deliver exceptional events including Showcase and Demo Day.

• Be a key partner to the early-stage start-up ecosystem with input on standardised investment documentation and attendance at industry events. Contribute to initiatives, thought leadership, and offers that help project the Icehouse Ventures brand and presents it in a unique light.

Traits we anticipate will help you succeed in the role include:

• a strong attention to detail;

• a desire for a fast-paced environment;

• an ability to efficiently prioritise workload;

• a curiosity to navigate novel challenges and ambiguity;

• discerning judgement, to deliver exceptional and pragmatic legal advice; and

• a strong interest in startups, entrepreneurship, and investment.

Our ideal team-member may also have the following experience:

• a proven track record in corporate and/or commercial law, whether from a leading law firm, in-house, or a venture environment.The calibre of experience matters more to us than the PQE – we are open to finding the right person and will adjust the role accordingly;

• experience in venture capital investment, fund management and/or technology law; and

• a tertiary qualification in law and a current NZLS practicing certificate.

Benefits:

• Bonus: Up to 10% of base subject to KPIs

• Carry on future funds raised, subject to vesting and carry agreement

• ESOP in Icehouse Ventures, subject to vesting and ESOP agreement

• Annual Health & Wellbeing subsidy

About Icehouse Ventures
Icehouse Ventures is Aotearoa’s largest and most active early-stage technology investor. Our purpose is to fuel the aspirations of all New Zealanders, and support the Kiwi founders who will help realise a vastly brighter future than we can imagine today.

We have invested >$800m into 390 leading New Zealand-founded tech companies, including Halter, Crimson Education, Hnry, Substack, Wayve, Nuro, Partly, Tracksuit, Sharesies, Dawn Aerospace, Tracksuit, and many others.

We work with people who live these values:

• Ambition – constantly expand what’s possible.

• Ownership – invite accountability. Deliver brilliantly.

• Humility – demonstrate confidence through vulnerability.

• Resilience – persist beyond what’s comfortable.

• Warmth – make others’ lights shine brighter.

To be considered for this role, please note you will need to attach a Cover Letter along with your CV on application.