Principal - Expression of Interest

At Alumni Ventures, we're always looking to connect with exceptional venture professionals who are passionate about discovering transformative companies and partnering with founders. As Principal, you'll be at the forefront of sourcing, evaluating, and executing investments for one of our investment teams, while also contributing across the broader Alumni Ventures platform.

This is an expression-of-interest opportunity designed to help us connect with exceptional venture professionals for future Principal-level opportunities across Alumni Ventures. While we may not be actively hiring for a specific opening at the time of application, we regularly review candidates for opportunities across our offices in New York City, Boston, Manchester (NH), Chicago, and Menlo Park. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and considered as relevant opportunities arise.

The role is fundamentally T-shaped. It is a generalist investing role spanning sectors and stages, with the opportunity to develop your own investment theses and areas of expertise. Our primary focus is Seed and Series A investing, while also participating in select Pre-Seed and Growth-stage opportunities. You'll help shape a portfolio of approximately 25 investments annually, identify follow-on opportunities, contribute to strong fund performance, and strengthen our position within the venture ecosystem.

You'll work closely with the Managing Partner, Senior Associates, and broader team to identify high-potential companies, lead diligence and negotiations, and cultivate relationships with founders, co-investors, and industry partners. Your network will be one of your greatest assets. Building trusted relationships with colleagues, venture investors, and founders to gain access to exceptional investment opportunities is essential. Success in this role comes from combining strong investment judgment, intellectual curiosity, creativity, warmth, and sound decision-making.

• Proactively source and contribute high-quality investment opportunities that align with the team's investment thesis and firm-wide initiatives.

• Drive a strong conversion rate from sourced opportunities to qualified investments.

• Lead initial due diligence on potential investments, engaging directly with founders, customers, and market data.

• Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities to strengthen investment decisions.

• Contribute to the successful execution of approved investments, from term sheet through close.

• Maintain close alignment with the firm's investment strategy to help build a high-performing, well-balanced portfolio.

• Grow and leverage a robust network of founders, venture investors, and industry experts to gain access to top-tier deal flow.

• Build relationships that expand the firm's visibility and influence within the venture ecosystem.

• Partner with the team to support fundraising activities, investor relations, and community engagement through events, webinars, and thought leadership.

• Actively support portfolio companies, fostering growth and long-term value creation.

• Monitor portfolio performance through regular CEO check-ins, performance tracking, and strategic guidance.

• 7+ years of professional experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, consulting, or high-growth startups.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• Comfortable using modern AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar technologies) to enhance research, analysis, communication, and day-to-day productivity.

What to Expect

Because this is an expression-of-interest opportunity, our team reviews applications on an ongoing basis. If your background aligns with a current or future Principal opportunity, we'll reach out to discuss the role in more detail.

Our Culture & How We Work at AV
Regardless of title, this is what great looks like at AV.

• Put team and stakeholders first. We win together and measure success by the value we create for our investors, founders, and each other.
• Take extreme ownership and bias toward action. We act like owners, move with urgency, and follow through.
• Debate rigorously and commit fully. We welcome diverse views, use data and sound judgment, and once aligned, execute as one team.
• Focus on what matters most. We prioritize impact, simplify where possible, and channel energy where we have a real advantage.
• Be AI-forward and tech-optimistic. We actively use AI and emerging technologies to work smarter, make better decisions, and amplify human judgment — not replace it.
• Stay curious and think big. We are continuous learners, aim high and build for long-term impact.

Benefits & Perks
We offer a flexible, employee-first benefits program designed to support your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work. Benefits begin shortly after hire and are designed to give you choice and flexibility based on your needs.

• Comprehensive health coverage with multiple plan options, including employer-funded deductible support and HSA contributions
• Dental and vision plans with multiple coverage tiers
• Tax-advantaged accounts including HSA, FSA, and commuter benefits (with monthly employer contribution)
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
• Company-paid life and disability insurance, plus optional supplemental coverage
• Additional support programs including EAP, health advocacy, and wellness resources
• Flexible, unlimited PTO and generous paid parental leave
• 11 company holidays

Compensation includes a starting base salary of $175,000 plus equity, carry potential, and corporate bonus.