We are Cafe Ascent — UK coffee-led acquisition platform
Britain's independent
cafés, better backed.
We acquire independent, coffee-led hospitality businesses with established trading history, proven customer loyalty, and clear operational upside — and install the financial controls needed to grow EBITDA while preserving what made people love them in the first place. Four strong, profit-generating sites at or near exclusivity. The model is live. We are raising now to accelerate.
Crafting Community Connections
At Cafe Ascent, we believe in creating more than just coffee; we craft community connections.
Our cafes serve as local hubs, designed with the character of the neighborhoods they inhabit.
Join us in celebrating the individuality and warmth of our vibrant communities.
Quality Beverages
We source the finest ingredients for a superior coffee experience.
Community Events
We host events that foster relationships and celebrate local talents.
JOIN US TEAM
JOB TITLE:
Head of Fundraising & Capital Strategy
Based in London, UK
Part-Time | Flexible Hours | Key Early-Stage Role
About the Role:
CAFE ASCENT LTD is seeking a part-time Head of Fundraising & Capital Strategy to lead the development of an integrated funding strategy during our early stage. The role will focus on combining equity and debt financing to support our expansion.
You will play a key role in securing the capital needed to grow our network of historically rooted and character-rich city cafés across England.
Key Responsibilities:
• Design and lead fundraising strategies across both equity and debt.
• Identify and engage with early-stage investors, lenders, and strategic partners.
• Prepare financial models, pitch decks, and tailored investor materials.
• Manage investor communications and support ongoing fundraising processes.
• Align funding structure with the company’s stage and strategic objectives.
• Monitor market trends and provide recommendations on timing and structure.
Requirements:
• Proven experience in early-stage or SME fundraising (Seed to Series A); UK market experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of equity and debt financing structures.
• Excellent communication and investor engagement skills.
• Comfortable working closely with founders and value-driven teams.
• Highly self-motivated and adaptable to a part-time, flexible work setup.
• Background in finance, investment banking, VC, or similar fields preferred.
What We Offer:
• Direct collaboration with a visionary founding team
• A role in shaping the financial foundation of a purpose-led brand
• Flexible working hours (no fixed schedule)
JOB TITLE
Independent Non-Executive Director (Chair of Audit Committee)
📍 London, UK | Board Role | Flexible Hours
At Café Ascent, we are not just building a coffee chain.
We are creating a network of cafés that serve as community homes and cultural anchors — each one rooted in local history, character, and diversity. Our promise is simple: consistent heart, not identical looks.
As we grow, we are looking for a guiding voice to join our journey:
an Independent Non-Executive Director to serve as Chair of our Audit Committee.
This role goes beyond compliance. It is about shaping the financial and governance foundation of a company that believes in integrity, transparency, and sustainable growth. We need not only expertise, but also the resilience of the jungle — the ability to navigate uncertainty, adapt under pressure, and help a young company chart its path.
We seek someone who has both the strategic vision gained from large enterprises and the proven experience of successfully guiding small businesses from 0 to 1. That journey — from chaos to clarity, from fragile beginnings to sustainable growth — is the kind of experience that will help Café Ascent thrive.
What you will bring
• Prior board or audit committee experience (chair role strongly preferred)
• Deep expertise in finance, audit, risk management, or investment strategy
• Professional qualifications such as ACCA, ACA, or CFA
• Strong knowledge of UK corporate governance and regulatory frameworks
• Familiarity with data-driven financial management and multi-site enterprises
• A proven track record of combining big-company vision with small-company resilience to drive sustainable growth
Time Commitment
• At least 3 hours per week (long-term, consistent commitment)
✨ Join us to build investor trust, provide stability for our teams, and strengthen the communities we serve.
Café Ascent — where financial transparency and community values grow together.
JOB TITLE
Operations Manager – Full-Time
Based in London, UK
Full-Time | Field-Based | Regional Travel Required
About the Role:
CAFE ASCENT LTD is hiring a full-time Operations Manager to oversee daily operations across our growing network of cafés in England.
In this role, you will be responsible for team leadership, performance management, operational data analysis, and the continuous improvement of customer experience and service quality.
You’ll work closely with the founding team to support each café in achieving operational excellence—while preserving and celebrating their individual character, heritage, and style. This is not about standardising cafés, but empowering each one to thrive on its own terms.
Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee daily operations of multiple café locations
• Lead and motivate front-line teams; support hiring, training, evaluation, and development
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs), including customer satisfaction, revenue, and service quality
• Build and manage operational dashboards and reporting systems
• Foster strong team culture, maintain high morale and energy
• Support each café in creating distinctive, locally relevant guest experiences
• Assist with café openings, transitions, and operational setup
• Travel across England for short-term site support as required
Requirements:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in café/restaurant, hospitality, or multi-site retail operations
• Strong people management skills with a proven ability to lead and grow teams
• Confident using data tools and translating insights into action
• Experience in quality control, service enhancement, and customer experience design
• Able to work with diverse café teams, respecting and adapting to their unique style
• Willing to travel as needed to support different locations
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and hands-on operational skills
What We Offer:
• A leadership role in a growing, community-oriented café network
• Close collaboration with the founding team and direct impact on day-to-day success
• Long-term growth potential within the company
• Competitive compensation and travel support
Get in touch
E-mail: info@cafeascent.co.uk
Address: 2 Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3DG, London, City Of, United Kingdom