Venture Associate

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

Innovation Partnerships is seeking a full-time Venture Associate who will support Innovation Partnerships Ventures and Impact Investment team operations, including deal sourcing, due diligence, investment analysis, portfolio management, industry and technology trend analysis, and networking. This role provides an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurial leaders and grow professionally through exposure to diverse startups and established venture investors. Enthusiastic individuals passionate about the Michigan startup and investment community are encouraged to apply. This position will report to the Executive Director of Impact Investments and Strategic Alliances.

The Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund (MUICF) is a pre-seed venture capital fund that invests in fast-growing technology companies based on research from the state of Michigans public universities.

The Accelerate Blue Fund (ABF) is a pre-seed venture capital fund that invests fast growing technology companies based on research from the University of Michigan.

Both funds focus on accelerating innovative university technology startups by providing risk tolerant patient investment capital and a state-wide network of business support services to accelerate the completion of key business milestones that unlock long-term value to drive economic and job growth in Michigan.

MUICF was established from an award from the Michigan Strategic Fund and Michigan Economic Development Fund through the Michigan Innovation Capital Fund program in 2024. ABF was established in 2021 and funded through philanthropic support and is evergreen, meaning all investments returns using donor funds are returned to the fund for future investment.

Innovation Partnerships is responsible for managing both the MUICF and ABF. In addition to fund management, the Ventures and Impact Investment teams at Innovation Partnerships are responsible for supporting university innovators by providing early-stage business development, connections within the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and – when appropriate – financial support through grant funding and/or venture investment via ABF and MUICF. The Venture Associate will support these efforts, specifically supporting the Universitys startup companies and MUICF and ABF.

This position is a 5-year, term-limited position.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan is one of the worlds most powerful engines for scholarly research, service, and impact. Sustaining and supporting the Universitys robust research enterprise are vital for maximizing innovation and economic growth. As a service and resource for researchers interested in commercialization of technologies and research discoveries, Innovation Partnerships is a unit of the Office of Research that plays a central role in helping to ensure that society realizes the benefits of the research conducted at the University of Michigan.

Innovation Partnerships is primarily responsible for the commercialization of University of Michigan research, additionally the team supports research and innovation commercialization at all of Michigans public universities. Innovation Partnerships aids innovators through corporate sponsored research collaborations, licensing strategy, or connections with entrepreneurs and investors to support startup company formation. The Ventures team at Innovation Partnerships is responsible for supporting university innovators by providing early-stage business development, connections within the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and – when appropriate – financial support through either grant funding or venture investment through the Accelerate Blue Fund and the Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future.

Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

As a Venture Associate for MUICF/ABF your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Fund Management (20%)

• Assisting in due diligence and fund management for MUICF and ABF
• Prepare analyses and investment memos including scientific, clinical, technical, and financial due diligence for potential life science or physical science startup investments provide recommendations in the form of an investment thesis

Pipeline Development (20%)

• Assist with investment pipeline management and deal flow sourcing, which includes attending internal presentations and talks, collaborating with the investment, entrepreneurial and other university partners and collaborators

Startup Collaboration and Support (25%)

• Working with university commercialization grants, including Michigan Translational and Commercialization (MTRAC) grants
• Supporting early-stage business development efforts and market needs for university research technologies and startup spinouts

Marketing &amp Relationship Building (25%)

• Representing MUICF and ABF during meetings with university innovators, venture investors, and entrepreneurs
• Managing MUICF and ABF startup and commercialization metrics efforts

Supervisory (10%)

• Supervise Venture Analyst activities

The Venture Associate should be excited about Innovation Partnerships mission and Michigan startup and venture investment ecosystem. Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills are essential.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelors degree in the biological, physical, or engineering sciences
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience in life sciences, bio/med/health startups or physical sciences, tech startups and/or early-stage investments, venture capital investing, and is familiar with the process of research commercialization
• Ability to search and analyze scientific literature, consult industry experts, synthesize and concisely communicate complex scientific information
• Strong organizational, project management, presentation, and communication skills to interact with faculty, staff, external investors and stakeholders
• Ability to set priorities for self and others
• Ability to interact effectively both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment and to work under pressure with tight deadlines
• Detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Proficiency in computer software (Pitchbook, Salesforce, Monday, spreadsheets, word processing, PowerPoint, etc.)

Desired Qualifications*

• Masters degree or PhD related to life sciences or physical sciences or business strongly preferred
• Work experience in venture capital
• Familiarity with State funding programs
• Familiarity with University tech transfer offices

Work Locations

This position may be eligible for remote and/or flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.