Jobs · Education · California

Principal - Expression of Interest

Alumni Ventures · Menlo Park, CA · 2 wk ago
On-siteEducation$175k–$185k/yrFull-time

About the role

At Alumni Ventures, you'll be part of a team focused on sourcing, evaluating, and executing investments for one of our investment teams. This role is a generalist investing role spanning sectors and stages, with the opportunity to develop your own investment theses and areas of expertise. Your 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.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

Requirements

  • 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.

Qualifications

  • Strong academic background, ideally with a focus on business, economics, engineering, computer science, or a related field.
  • Experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, consulting, or high-growth startups.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Passion for technology and innovation.

Skills

  • Strong investment judgment and ability to identify high-potential companies.
  • Ability to analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities.
  • Effective networking and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in using modern AI tools to enhance research, analysis, communication, and productivity.

Benefits

  • 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.

Pay

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $175,000–$185,000. This range represents the base salary Alumni Ventures reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. Individual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may receive equity, carry potential, a corporate bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and programs.

Schedule

Alumni Ventures operates as a 5-day-a-week, in-office culture because collaboration, mentorship, and shared momentum matter.

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