Associate, Ventures (Application Layer)

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Position Overview: We are seeking someone passionate about technology and entrepreneurship to join our Palo Alto investment team as an Associate focused on finding the best software investments in the application layer. As an Associate, you will play a key role in sourcing new investment opportunities, conducting in-depth due diligence, and working closely with founders to assess and support high-growth startups. As part of our small team of 3 focused on the application layer, you will have an opportunity to make an incredible impact not only from an investment perspective but also in building yourself a brand within the technology and investment community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively source new investment opportunities through networking, industry events, and relationships with founders, accelerators, and other venture capital firms.

• Identify and evaluate high-potential startups through market research, startup databases, and direct outreach to entrepreneurs.

• Conduct meetings with startup founders and executive teams to evaluate business models, growth strategies, and potential for scalability.

• Build strong relationships with founders, offering guidance and mentorship where appropriate.

• Lead and contribute to the due diligence process, assessing both quantitative and qualitative factors, including market opportunity, competitive landscape, financials, team dynamics, and product viability.

• Work closely with the investment team to create detailed investment memos and recommendations for potential investments.

• Perform financial analysis, competitive benchmarking, and market research to validate startup assumptions and business models.

• Assist portfolio companies post-investment by providing strategic advice, helping with introductions to potential customers, partners, or follow-on investors.

• Support the development of operational and financial strategies within portfolio companies, collaborating with founders and management teams to drive growth.

• Stay up-to-date with market trends, emerging technologies, and industry disruptions that could impact the venture capital landscape and sharing those ideas out via content.

Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, management consulting, or operational experience

• Strong understanding of startup ecosystems, venture capital financing, and key metrics for evaluating early-stage companies.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with founders, investors, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough due diligence and analysis.

• Strong problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail.

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. The base salary that is ultimately offered to the successful candidate will consider a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill set. 

You may also be eligible to receive an annual Incentive Award pursuant to our Short-term Incentive plan and our Long-Term Incentive plan (if applicable), and to participate in our group benefits and retirement plans – details on these elements of compensation are included within OMERS & Oxford offer letters.

As one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans, our people-first culture is at its best when our workforce reflects the communities where we live and work — and the members we proudly serve.

From hire to retire, we are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process that extends all the way through your employee experience. This sense of belonging and connection is cultivated up, down and across our global organization thanks to our vast network of Employee Resource Groups with executive leader sponsorship, our Purpose@Work committee and employee recognition programs.