M Ventures is the strategic corporate venture capital fund of Merck KGaA with a total investment volume of EUR 425 million. The structure of M Ventures mirrors the business sectors of Merck KGaA and consists of Healthcare, Lifesciences, Performance Materials and New Business funds.
The M Ventures fund is a well-established specific “evergreen” investment fund which makes focused strategic investments primarily driven by financial return.
Fund specifics:
M Ventures Performance Materials fund is currently has an active investment portfolio of investee companies, and has been active as a strategic corporate investor since 2016
Your Role:
Identifies investment opportunities in companies that are expected to have future strategic value for the company with the objective to create a unique future asset base for the sector.
Manages deal flow with a focus on early stage start-ups, reviews business plans, provides recommendations to Investment Director, co-ordinates with internal functions and provides timely feedback to potential investee companies.
Defines the focus areas for investment activity in collaboration with the company’s research, development and commercial functions.
Supports the due diligence, investment and approval process for new and follow-on investments.
Supports other transactions, such as formation of spin-offs, equity components of licensing transactions as needed.
Identifies and evaluates new (technology) trends in the start-up community and industry.
Supports development of the company’s strategy by providing inputs from the external environment (other investors, universities, conferences, etc.)
Role is based in Amsterdam, Boston or Darmstadt.
Manages incoming deal flow, organizes deal flow in database, responds to potential investee companies to manage expectations.
Generates and evaluates deal flow and provides recommendations to Investment Director on follow-up.
Manages timely follow-up with potential investee companies, organizes evaluation process, including due diligence meetings, expert reviews, etc.
Performs technical and financial due diligence and coordinates with internal and external experts that support the diligence process.
Performs valuation of deals via benchmarks and business cases.
Supports the negotiation and execution of equity investments and / or other transactions executed by the Investment Director.
Establishes a prioritized portfolio of key contacts to potential investment targets, to investors (e.g. potential co-investors) and to scientists/academics.
Establishes and manages relationships with academic partners / advisors to create access to specialized due diligence advisors for a wide range of opportunities
Establishes and manages relationships with the internal functions to organize resources needed to support due diligence
Drives projects to decisions by aligning key internal and external stakeholders via transparent communication.
As M Ventures’ portfolio of investments grows, support investee companies, where appropriate, with hands-on support in organizational, project management, IP, etc
Who You Are:
PhD or MSc degree from top-tier university in Chemistry similar discipline, preferably with experience in materials science and nanotechnology and application to display and semiconductor industry.
(Finance) MBA from international business school, or at least 1 years expertise in VC, investment , banking, or international consulting environment
Excellent English (Written, Oral, Negotiations)
Professional skills and experience:
Strong analytical skills, ability to drive generation of business case/plan and provide technical/scientific inputs
Strong valuation skills and understanding of (preferred) equity and equity related structures commonly applied in the industry
Experience in the chemical industry and/or a start-up is a plus
In depth understanding of corporate finance, capital budgeting and accounting,
Ability to drive projects to conclusion and entrepreneurial spirit
Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills, ability to lead cross functional international project teams and present to senior management
If interested, please apply here.
