Sovereign AI - Managing Partner
In January 2025, the Prime Minister launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan. The Prime Minister has made seizing the benefits of AI a key pillar of national renewal, be it driving economic growth, or transforming working people’s lives by improving healthcare, education and how citizens interact with the state.
The Sovereign AI Unit sits at the heart of this mission. It has been established to harness the UK’s AI capabilities to unlock economic growth and enhance national security. Backed by up to £500 million, with a multi-million pound operating budget, the Managing Partner will have discretion over, the Unit will support UK-based high potential startups and scaleups to become AI national champions with equity investment and other levers unique to government.
The Managing Partner role in the Sovereign AI Unit is a pivotal leadership position, critical to the success of the Unit’s mission to strengthen the UK’s sovereign capability in frontier AI. The Managing Partner will sit at the centre of the Unit. They will define the Unit’s investment strategy across the full range of the Unit’s priority areas, and oversee the sourcing, evaluation and execution of the deals that will define the Unit. It requires a rare blend of deep investment expertise, understanding of AI and strategic leadership, with strong credibility and influence across the AI ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and lead a high-conviction investment strategy for the Sovereign AI Unit that will strengthen the UK’s strategic advantage in AI, shaping strategic priorities and designing a due diligence process in line with market best practice.
- Lead the sourcing, evaluation and execution of deals across the full range of the Unit’s portfolio.
- Act as a central convener between industry, government and investors.
- Attract and retain world-class talent to enhance the UK’s position in AI.
Essential Criteria
- Deep understanding of the AI ecosystem, with the ability to distinguish genuine innovation from hype.
- Proven track record in strategic leadership and decision-making in deep tech investment.
- Significant experience in investment firms, AI labs or the start up ecosystem, ideally in senior roles such as investor or partner.
- Motivated by public service and the potential to harness AI for national advantage.
- Strong network and relationship builder with influential communication skills, able to successfully advocate for the Unit mission.
- Strong commercial and political acumen under pressure.
How to Apply: Please email us at sovereignai@dsit.gov.uk with the subject title ‘Managing Partner Application’ your CV and a short statement why you're interested in becoming Managing Partner of Sovereign AI.