VC Internship @ Cisco Investments in San Francisco, CA

 

Job Description: Climate Venture Fellow

 
Team: Cisco Chief Sustainability Office; Climate Investments Team

Location: Remote

Duration: 6 months, starting in January.

 

About the Role:

Cisco’s Chief Sustainability Office is on a mission to create and drive transformative solutions and products that build an inclusive, regenerative, and sustainable future for Cisco and the world. The Chief Sustainability Office is a central hub for driving Cisco’s sustainability transformation, including through supporting the Cisco Foundation efforts in investing in early-stage climate innovation.

 

In 2021, the Cisco Foundation took a bold leap towards early-stage climate solutions by pledging $100 million over the next decade. Our goal is to construct a climate future that is not just sustainable, but regenerative and resilient. To make this vision a reality, we have crafted an innovative mandate through a blended finance initiative. We’re harnessing the power of both non-dilutive & dilutive capital, fueling climate innovation across the spectrum, from ambitious climate startups to dedicated non-profit organizations. And through this approach, we are pioneering blended finance solutions across the capital stack.

 

Our Climate Commitment comes to life through a $50 million allocation towards climate investments, targeted at groundbreaking ventures poised to reshape traditional industries. Additionally, we’re channeling $50 million in grants to non-profits. This approach underscores our dedication to building a sustainable future through every possible avenue.

 

As a Climate Venture Investment Fellow, you’ll be an integral part of this mission, working at the intersection of venture capital, impact investing, innovation, and sustainability. This unique fellowship provides graduate-level candidates the chance to apply their academic knowledge to real-world impact investment challenges and drive change at a systemic level for a sustainable and regenerative future.

 

Position Details:

 

• Consultant Contract Duration: 6 months, starting from January to June (to be defined with the candidate)
• Work Schedule: 10-20 hours per week (depending on projects).
• Competitive Hourly Salary.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

1. Sourcing Investments: Proactively identify and engage with high-potential startups in the climate, regeneration, and sustainability space. Help monitor and manage a CRM tool for investments tracking.
2. Business & Impact Model Assessment: Dive deep into various business models, analyzing their potential for scalability, impact, and sustainability.
3. Impact Investment Mapping: Collaborate with investment team to research and build investment maps & deep dives across climate priority areas.
4. Due Diligence: Help conduct robust due diligence, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
5. Portfolio Performance Management: Help establish strong portfolio strategies and collect and report on the financial and impact health of the portfolio.
6. Networking: Act as a Cisco and Cisco Foundation ambassador, fostering relationships in the climate tech ecosystem, at your school and beyond.

 

Qualifications:

 

• Currently pursuing an MBA, Masters in Environment/ Climate/ Sustainability, PhD, or equivalent advanced degree, with a strong academic track record.
• Proven experience in investment-related roles, entrepreneurship, venture capital and private equity, climate tech, or sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and analytically about climate impact, business models, systems change, social impact, and market dynamics.
• Strong interest or expertise in at least 1 investment vertical of the Cisco Foundation Climate Commitment, among nature-based carbon solutions, regenerative agriculture and food systems, inclusive clean energy transition (including energy efficiency and the built environment), circular transformation.
• Strong interest and alignment with Cisco’s purpose of building an inclusive future, emphasizing solutions that benefit underserved communities globally.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-starter attitude with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive projects to completion.

 

Preferred Experience:

 

• Previous exposure to startup ecosystems, either through work, academic projects, or personal ventures.
• Familiarity with the current landscape of climate technologies and solutions.

 

Benefits & Opportunities:

 

• Direct access to the climate tech startup community and opportunity to engage with founders, funds, and startups across various sectors.
• Direct exposure to the inner workings of a leading global tech corporation’s sustainability efforts and impact investment arm.
• Mentorship from seasoned professionals in impact venture capital and sustainability.
• Access to Cisco and the Cisco Foundation’s extensive network in the tech and sustainability ecosystems.
• Opportunity to influence Cisco’s climate finance strategy and have a tangible impact on the planet’s future.

 

Availability Requirements:

 

• Weekly 1:1 check-in with the team.
• Participation in the pipeline meeting every Wednesday.
• Attendance at demo days and representation at networking events.
• Preferably based in a climate tech hub and willing to participate in local events, such as Boston, SF/Bay Area, New York, Chicago.

 

How to Apply:

If interested, please reach out to ehabbar@cisco.com with a resume and cover letter.