Over the past six months, I had the opportunity to intern at Nuclio, a venture builder that focuses on creating and developing new startups. As a Venture Development Intern, I was involved in various tasks that exposed me to the fast-paced world of venture creation. This experience has been invaluable in helping me gain a deeper understanding of the startup ecosystem and has played a key role in my career development.
Tasks and Responsibilities
During my time at Nuclio, I worked on a range of projects that allowed me to take on meaningful responsibilities. Some of my main tasks included:
• Identifying Venture Opportunities: I helped identify and analyze more than 75 potential business models and markets. This work contributed to Nuclio’s ability to assess new startup ideas and improve its deal flow.
• Market Research and Analysis: I conducted research on over 700 startup deals and market trends, producing reports and dashboards that were shared with stakeholders. This helped me develop my analytical skills and gain insight into the evolving startup landscape.
• Supporting Early-Stage Ventures: I supported ventures at the Pre-Seed and Seed stages by assisting with the development of pitch decks, business plans, and helping manage the funding pipeline. This gave me a practical understanding of what goes into launching a startup.
• Operational Support: I provided operational assistance to portfolio ventures, helping ensure that their day-to-day activities ran smoothly. This hands-on experience taught me a lot about the challenges startups face as they grow.
• Sector-Specific Research: I conducted sector deep dives and contributed to investment memorandums for potential ventures, which helped Nuclio identify new opportunities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competences Acquired
I gained a wide range of skills during my internship at Nuclio, which I believe will be invaluable as I move forward in my career. Some of the key takeaways include:
• Research and Analytical Skills: I significantly improved my ability to analyze business models and market trends, which was key to evaluating new venture opportunities.
• Venture Building Experience: Working at a venture builder allowed me to see firsthand how startups are created and supported from the ground up, providing me with practical knowledge I wouldn’t have gained elsewhere.
• Intercultural Communication: One of the highlights of my internship was working in a truly multicultural environment. I used English and Spanish in meetings, heard Catalan during lunch breaks, and even exchanged a few words in Arabic with my Moroccan colleague. This experience improved my ability to communicate effectively in different languages and cultural contexts.
• Operational and Strategic Support: I gained valuable experience in providing operational support to startups, learning how to address the day-to-day challenges they face.
• Team Collaboration: I was fortunate to work with an amazing team at Nuclio. They provided me with guidance and encouragement, while also giving me the freedom to take on responsibilities and grow. Their support pushed me to develop both professionally and personally.
Personal Development and Career Growth
This internship has been a crucial stepping stone for my career. Working at Nuclio gave me a solid foundation in venture building and the confidence to pursue opportunities in the startup sector. In addition, I was able to balance my work at Nuclio with an online course through Dream VC, which gave me further insights into venture capital, especially in the African context. This combination of hands-on experience and academic learning has broadened my understanding of the global venture ecosystem.
Gratitude and Reflection
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to intern at Nuclio. It has been a rewarding experience that
has opened my eyes to the complexities of the startup world. I would also like to thank the Erasmus+program and the FU Erasmus+ Team, which provided me with the financial support that made it possible to fully commit to this internship. Without this, I would not have been able to sustain myself during the program.
Conclusion
In summary, my internship at Nuclio was an incredibly valuable experience that has shaped my understanding of the startup world and prepared me for future challenges in venture development. The skills I’ve gained and the support I’ve received will undoubtedly help me in my future career. I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned and continuing to grow in the exciting world of startups.
Tips for other Interns
Preperation
Speak with your future team; Inform yourself about Erasmus+ requirements; Familiarize yourself with relevant topics
Visa Application
N/A (EU)
Internshipsearch
Use your network; Be persistent and don’t get demotivated too easliy
Apartmentsearch
Network and be aware of scammers; Always ask for a in person visit even if you can’t have one just to see how the other reacts
Insurance
I used the suggested assurance via the DaaD and can’t complain (but did not need to make a claim luckily).
Other
Enjoy the learning journey!
Formalities on site
Telephone/internet
EU makes it crazy easy.
Bank/Accountopening
I used my German bank account without any larger issue. FYI: Within the EU, IBAN discrimination is prohibited.
Other
Everything might be a bit more challenging if you leave the EU and if you don’t speak the local language.
Everyday/Leisure
Going Out activities
Get lost in Barcelonas beautiful streets; Piscinas de Montjuic; Ask your colleagues!
Other
Be open and do the first step.