PRINCIPAL, DEFENCE DEEP TECH VENTURE FUND

We are banking at another level.

Choosing BDC as your employer means working in a healthy, inclusive, and skilled workplace that puts forward the best conditions to bring together unique teams where employees are empowered to act. It also means being at the centre of ambitious economic and financial projects to see further and to do things differently, to fuel the success of Canadian entrepreneurs.

Choosing BDC as your employer also means:

• Flexible and competitive benefits, including an Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, a $750 wellness and health care spending account, to name a few   

• In addition to paid vacation each year, five personal days, sick days as necessary, and our offices are closed from December 25 to January 1

• A hybrid work model that truly balances work and personal life

• Opportunities for learning, training and development, and much more... 

Explore the BDC Way in our Culture Book

POSITION OVERVIEW

BDC Capital’s Defence Deep Tech Venture Fund is part of BDC's Defence Platform. It will invest in early-stage ventures, which develop deep technologies that transform how business is done across multiple sectors. The fund will invest exclusively in companies with a defence or dual-use strategy. In addition, the Defence Deep Tech Venture Fund will act as a leader in the Canadian VC ecosystem, connecting key stakeholders across the deep tech value chain to leverage non-dilutive sources of funding, procurement and tech development support. Main sectors of focus would include, but are not limited to: Quantum, Foundational AI, Photonics, Autonomy, Electronics and Materials.

The Fund would work closely with various departments across the federal government to help provide them with a market watch function, while accessing technical expertise & government labs. The Fund will also build and maintain solid working relationships with key ecosystem stakeholders, including accelerators and incubators.

Principals join one of our funds as experienced investment professionals to aid in sourcing potential deals, oversee their execution, and take responsibility for the investment’s relationship and performance.

CHALLENGES TO BE MET

Deal Sourcing

• Build and maintain networks within the investment community, acting as an ambassador for the funds, BDC Capital and BDC

• Work with investment partners and other funds to build relationships for deal flow and syndication

• Keep abreast of significant developments and activities in the entrepreneurial community and continue to raise awareness of BDC Capital through networking and related opportunities

• Contribute to the sourcing and identification of high-potential venture companies for investment based on the teams’ investment parameters

Deal Making

• Lead complex due diligence for new and/or existing investment opportunities by orchestrating analyses such as market, competition, management, sales, products, cap table, and anything that is relevant to determining potential business value and exist strategies

• Lead reference calls with competitors, clients, industry experts, and prospect company’s current or past employees

• Produce Investment Memos and support Partners in presenting opportunities to the Investment Committee

• Review and comment on legal agreements negotiated by the deal’s lead

Portfolio Management & Support

• Assist partners in managing efficient ongoing relationships with executives of investee companies, promptly responding to all inquiries in a courteous and efficient manner

• Stand responsible for a few companies to monitor and provide value-add support, taking charge of operational communication, and participating in board meetings

• Assist portfolio companies with introductions (e.g. potential suppliers, investors, employees), governance, financing, strategic planning, marketing, and other operational topics

• Support the efficient monetization of portfolio companies rolled into the fund to maximize proceeds on exit

Platform Building

• Ensure that new and existing investment research files, business plans, and periodic performance reports provided by companies, as well as any other information collected by the investment team, are maintained in conformity with BDC’s policies and procedures

• Contribute to a high performing team environment within the internal fund built on trust, collaboration, and high aspirations

• Ensure the progression of professionals in the deal team, balancing workload, coaching, and identifying opportunities to assign higher responsibilities

• Assist on occasion with recruiting for the team and new employees’ onboarding

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Typical Background

• 7 to 10 years of experience in a role involving structured thinking, financial analysis, and technical expertise. These profiles are likely to come from, but are not limited to:

• • Finance roles: venture capital, private equity, investment bank, accounting firm

  • Operator roles: technology startup, industry-leading corporation, industry specialist

  • Advisory roles: consulting, law, corporate strategy, corporate development

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Economics, Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM). Other degrees are viable, if the professional has strong analytical skills

• A post-graduate degree or equivalent certification is valuable. Typical post-graduate credentials are likely to be, but are not limited to:

• • Master’s in business administration (MBA)

  • Other STEM Master’s or PhD degree

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Technical Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of the deal process, from sourcing to due diligence, to portfolio management

• Ability to read financial statements and translate its content into insights about the business

• Strong skills in Excel, particularly in building robust financial models that include sensitivity analysis and scenario modeling, as well as performing complex data analysis. Any other analytic tools and techniques are an asset

• Good ability to use other MS-suite applications efficiently, mainly Word and PowerPoint

• Good ability to problem-solve using structured thinking and communication techniques

• Ability to write an Investment Memo that is clear, concise, and eloquent

• Technology skills with wide application, such as coding, chemistry or electronics can be an asset

• Operational knowledge of any technical industry is an asset

• Bilingualism in French and English is an asset

Behavioral Traits

• Supportive, helpful attitude – sensitivity to identify what the fund needs, take ownership of team performance, and relieve Partners from operations so that they can focus on the deal pipeline

• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with stakeholders within and outside BDC, with a sensible approach to vertical and horizontal relationships

• Interpersonal polish, ability to influence pertinently in the context of business settings, including operational and executive audiences

• Motivation and ability to leverage work as a team, by taking a leadership role

• Enthusiasm to support and coach more junior colleagues, sharing knowledge and advice

• Continuous learning attitude, with maturity to give and take feedback constructively

• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, where objectives must be met within tight deadlines

Proudly one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible environment where all employees can thrive and feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

While we appreciate all applications, we advise that only the candidates selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted.