Investment Associate - Acquisition Finance

About ZEAL ZEAL is a European acquisition finance partner providing structured, cash-flow-based financing to private equity firms, investment companies, search funds and entrepreneur-led acquirers across Europe. We sit in the underserved space between the major banks – which find sub-EUR 15m LBOs structurally uneconomical – and the larger private debt funds, which rarely look below EUR 20m. In that gap, we deliver institutional-grade acquisition capital with the flexibility, speed and certainty of a deal partner. Typical ticket sizes are EUR 1–10 million, with the possibility to be deployed as senior or junior debt for serial acquirers and buy-and-build platforms. We underwrite based on the target's pro-forma cash flow and the strategic logic of the transaction – not just hard collateral. ZEAL is part of a licensed Nordic financial group, and joining us means being part of an ambitious team building a distinctive position in European acquisition finance from day one. About the role As Investment Associate at ZEAL, you will work end-to-end across the deal lifecycle – from credit analysis and underwriting through structuring, negotiation and closing, into portfolio monitoring. You will be a core member of our investment team, working directly with senior colleagues on cash-flow-based acquisition financings for PE sponsors, search funds and entrepreneur-led acquirers. Your responsibilities will include: Underwriting prospective transactions – building detailed LBO models and pro-forma analyses to assess sustainable leverage, debt service and downside scenarios Performing credit analysis on cash-flow-based acquisition financings – LBOs, buy-and-build platforms and bolt-on acquisitions Preparing investment memos and presenting opportunities to the Investment Committee Supporting origination through outreach and relationship building with PE firms, family offices, corporate acquirers, search funds, M&A advisors and banks Contributing to term sheets, security packages, covenants and pricing Working alongside external counsel on documentation and closing Monitoring the portfolio post-close and identifying follow-on opportunities with serial acquirers This is a broad, hands-on role with real ownership from day one, and a clear path to grow into a more senior seat. About you We are looking for someone with strong analytical foundations, commercial instincts and a genuine drive to build. You likely have: 2–5 years of relevant experience from leveraged finance, acquisition finance, M&A advisory, private credit, direct lending, private equity, transaction services or a comparable credit-focused seat A degree from a leading university in finance, economics, engineering or a related quantitative field Solid credit and accounting fundamentals and confident LBO modelling skills, with a developing understanding of cash-flow-based lending, pro-forma EBITDA and credit structuring The ability to break down complex situations, form a clear view, and communicate it concisely A commercial mindset – you understand that a good investment team blends analytical rigour with the ability to win deals Fluent in English and Swedish Entrepreneurial, hands-on, comfortable taking initiatives in a fast-paced environment What we offer Be part of a fast-growing company backed by a licensed financial group Entrepreneurial, high-trust culture with significant responsibility, exposure and incentive Direct deal exposure and high visibility from day one Beautiful office in central Stockholm Strong opportunities for professional growth and development