VC Manager @ SVG Ventures in Los Gatos, CA

The Corporate Innovation Manager will report to the Director of Corporate Innovation & will be responsible for supporting the management and execution of SVG Ventures Corporate Innovation Strategy.

The expectation for this role is that the individual filling it leverages a strong background working with corporates and large organizations on open innovation topics. This includes but is not limited to open innovation strategy development, disruption advisory and perspective development, partnership development across organizations large and small, startup scouting and evaluation, and new venture development. You are a strategic thinker, an experienced and efficient leader, have excellent people skills, business acumen and exemplary work ethics.

The Corporate Innovation function at THRIVE works in varied and continuously evolving ways, always striving to create more value for partners leveraging our global platform. It is critical that you are able to wear multiple hats, are flexible in supporting the best path forward for the business and proactive in developing informed perspectives on what that is. It is important that you are comfortable operating independently, are highly organized in managing multiple internal and external responsibilities, and can exercise mental dexterity to switch between deep thinking activities and rapid tactical execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Partner Engagement & Relationship Management

• Proactively identify and understand partners’ innovation needs and priorities, balancing direct interpretation of these priorities from partners with derivation of recommended priorities from available information sources (annual reports, strategic activity & acquisitions, competitor analysis, etc.)
• Advise partners toward innovation opportunities – from identification through outcome – that will have significant impact to their organizations; this assumes identification and assessment of promising companies and solutions
• Design clear, outcome-oriented partner engagements that drive results and stickiness (retention) with our partners
• Develop and facilitate workshops – predominately design thinking and innovation oriented – with participants from multiple organizations at once
• Establish productive relationships with key points of contact at partner accounts
• Stay current on market and technology trends to speak credibly to key trends in agrifood tech, especially where relevant to key partners
• Administer account management standards including coordination of key meetings, project planning, maintenance of internal systems for owned accounts, and coordination

Strategy & Operations

• Support ongoing development of SVG Ventures/THRIVE Corporate Innovation strategy, operations, key initiatives, and
• Liaise with THRIVE programs, marketing, fund, and management teams to deliver key initiatives like THRIVE Top50, Global Impact, and Venture Studio

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, Technology, Agriculture or Business; (Master’s Degree preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in any of the following:
• Management, design, innovation advisory and engagement delivery
• Research & development in agrifood or adjacent tech space
• Discovering, launching, and leading new ventures or business models
• Innovation or Corp Dev function at agrifood corporate
• Track record of involvement in driving significant partnerships and/or investments is major plus
• Demonstrably deep connection and passion for food and/or agriculture is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with the venture capital industry and experience working with or for startups
• Excellent communication skills; written, verbal, and presentation
• Self-starter with strong initiative and work ethic
• Thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment