VC Associate @ Illinois Ventures in Champaign, IL

Support the operations and investment activity of Illinois Ventures, which invests in startup and early-stage companies derived from advanced technologies originated or developed by faculty, staff, students and/or alumni of the University. Illinois Ventures manages pre-seed and venture capital funds on behalf of the University and outside investors, and an angel network made up of high-net-worth alumni of the University. The Associate will support the efforts of the CEO and the Directors to promote these objectives. The Associate will provide a broad array of support for operations and investing activities of Illinois Ventures including but not limited to mentoring and start-up services and investing expertise for select high-growth, potential new companies. These services will include working closely with the University’s technology management office, faculty and Illinois Ventures professional staff to screen and evaluate prospects presented to Illinois Ventures and its funds. The Associate will help catalyze the creation and accelerate the development of promising new business ventures that are capable of developing as attractive investment opportunities. This position is hybrid, requiring four days in the office per week. Please note these requirements are subject to change based on business needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Investment Sourcing & Evaluation:

1. Identify and assess early-stage venture capital investment opportunities in high-growth companies, particularly those derived from advanced technologies with an association to the University of Illinois.
2. Leverage university networks, including faculty, students, alumni, and technology transfer offices, to source potential deals.
3. Foster relationships with external entities, venture capital networks, and industry partners to expand deal flow and identify co-investment opportunities.
4. Build relationships with entrepreneurs and other industry professionals.

Due Diligence, Analysis and Investment Process:

1. Assist with all stages of deal execution, including sourcing new investment opportunities, and conducting thorough due diligence, including technology assessments, market research, competitive analysis, and financial modeling.
2. Identify and evaluate potential investments in innovative startups and new technologies using financial models and market research.
3. Develop detailed investment memos that outline due diligence findings, potential risks, and projected returns for investment consideration.
4. Interpreting financial statements and using them to make predictions about the viability and growth potential of potential investments.

Portfolio Management:

1. Create and manage valuation models for portfolio companies, ensuring alignment with industry best practices.
2. Support the ongoing monitoring of portfolio companies, including performance tracking, financial analysis, and strategic advising.
3. Work with portfolio companies to drive their success and identify new deals.
4. Assist in preparing quarterly reports for Limited Partners, including updates on portfolio performance, new investments, and financial outlooks.

Report Creation:

1. Maintain reports and records relating to company financings, valuations, restructurings, and liquidity events including but not limited to funding estimates and fund usages for existing and future funds.
2. Develop and maintain presentation materials including strategy and presentations for fundraising activities of the Organization. This includes developing and refining presentation themes, data gathering and synthesis, and constructing professional presentation materials.
3. Assist with ongoing impact and economic reporting.

Program Management:

1. Oversee the firm’s fellowship program, including the recruitment, supervision, and development of undergraduate and graduate students.
2. Facilitate educational programs and workshops focused on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.

Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Building:

1. Act as a liaison between the firm and various stakeholders within the university ecosystem, including technology managers, faculty, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
2. Mentor and advise faculty and student entrepreneurs on commercialization strategies, venture financing, crafting investment pitches/packages and defining relevant commercial milestones.
3. Participate in and contribute to university and community events, including pitch sessions, startup competitions, and innovation showcases.

Other Duties:

1. Other duties as assigned and appropriate for an Associate.

Additional Considerations:

1. Willingness to travel as needed to attend industry events, meet with portfolio companies, and engage with stakeholders across the ecosystem.
2. Passion for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, with a commitment to driving the success of early-stage ventures.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, science, or engineering that is relevant to technology-based entrepreneurship or to the technology commercialization process.

An MBA or other relevant advanced degree.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1. Three to five years of relevant experience. Experience working with advanced technologies and/or early-stage ventures is preferred.
2. Deep understanding of the venture capital ecosystem, including market dynamics, investment processes, and portfolio management.
3. Strong general business skills and an in-depth understanding of venture capital and entrepreneurial finance.
4. Excellent financial and analytical skills, including experience in developing complex financial models and fair market valuation calculations.
5. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
6. Knowledge or experience in organizing and building high-tech start-up businesses.
7. Ability to communicate effectively with research faculty and technology company founders.
8. Creative problem-solving skills. An ability to formulate a plan to obtain the information that is necessary to evaluate a new technology’s potential and to execute on that plan.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is .
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 11/18/2024.