Venture Associate - HardTech & Software

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Venture Associate serves as a strategic resource for early-stage tech companies and the broader venture ecosystem by supporting the full investment process. This aligns with the MSU Research Foundation’s broader growth strategy in high-tech investing. From identifying high-potential startups, evaluating viability, and conducting technical, market, financial, and legal due diligence, to presenting investment opportunities to management, this work supports efforts to invest in Michigan-based early-stage technology companies with high return potential. Beyond investments, the Venture Associate provides ongoing portfolio support and contributes to sourcing activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Management of Investment Pipeline: From initial screening through investment, manage an investment pipeline through our technology platform[DW1] . Document progress of due diligence items and proactively manage next steps to ensure timely investment decisions are made.
• Technical Evaluation & Diligence: Evaluate technical feasibility, technology readiness levels, economics, and technology roadmap to assess pipeline companies in the context of diligence and potential investment. Prepare thoughtful insights for investment opportunities based on fundamental analysis and market research.
• Financial Analysis: Review historical financials, projected financials, unit economics, and capital requirements to determine the attractiveness and risks associated with potential investments.
• Deal Structuring & Closings: Assist with deal structuring, evaluating term sheets, market comparable analyses, and exit modeling for potential investment opportunities in the context of the Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise portfolios. See investments through negotiations to final transaction documents, signature, and funding.
• Presentation & Consensus of Investment Opportunities: Prepare written assessments of investment opportunities and present weekly to the investment team. For opportunities that advance to later stages of due diligence, prepare and present investment memos.
• Portfolio Management: Assist with regularly scheduled portfolio company update meetings, gathering key performance metrics from these companies, and tracking this data in our technology platform. Provide support to portfolio companies on specific projects when needed. Drive value to our portfolio companies by working with their management teams to unlock access to capital, customers, talent, and strategic insights.
• Industry Research: Actively read and seek out new information sources to stay abreast of industry trends. Prepare analyses and research summaries for the venture team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong technical proficiency and familiarity with engineering, materials sciences, advanced manufacturing, etc.
• Basic understanding of venture capital and investment instruments
• Working knowledge of venture deal structures and economics (liquidation waterfalls, cap tables, etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Ability to effectively evaluate both technical merit and commercial viability. Should be comfortable reading scientific papers and business plans.
• Strong attention to detail, and solid analytical and strategic thinking.
• Proficiency in analyzing financial statements and identifying key metrics and market drivers for diverse industries that will drive the growth and success of portfolio companies.
• Ability to quickly research a variety of industries and interface with subject matter experts to assess investment opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and with confidence to take initiative and be proactive.
• Sound judgment and discretion when communicating with founders and representing the MSU Research Foundation brand.
• Strong sense of urgency and self-motivation, with the ability to multitask and prioritize work to meet critical deadlines.
• Desire to network and develop relationships between university research, technology spinoffs, early-stage investors, and business acceleration services in the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Ability to build consensus and secure organizational support for investment decisions.

Experience and education

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required. Master’s Degree or PhD in physical sciences preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working in the physical sciences sectors, at an early-stage company, or experience in a venture capital role.
• Position is Michigan-based. Residency or willingness to move to Michigan upon hire required.

Join the MSU Research Foundation, where you can work for a dynamic organization and make an impact – shaping the future of research, technology, and entrepreneurship!