VC Associate @ Ajinomoto Group Ventures in Boston, MA

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

Overview

We are looking for an Associate to join Ajinomoto Group Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of the Ajinomoto Group. As an Associate, you will play a critical role in all aspects of the investment process including sourcing, diligence, execution, and portfolio management.

Our team is looking for a balance of hustle, high intellectual / analytical rigor, strong EQ and team orientation, independent thinking, and a true passion, healthcare, longevity, and technology. We want someone who will thrive in a lean organization but part of a much larger parent company.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 4-7 years of work experience in venture capital, management consulting, or private equity
• A network in the Boston start up eco-system as well as a good understanding of the co-investor landscape
• An MBA or business degree is required, or professional experience may be accepted in place of MBA
• A PhD in material science or healthcare could be a benefit

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Hunger and tenacity; relentlessness in working through obstacles to achieve extraordinary results, habit of taking initiative to make things happen
• Strong understanding of business fundamentals; ability to identify key questions about a potential investment and gain understanding of products, competitive differentiation, category creation, revenue opportunities, growth stages, management teams, etc.
• Critical thinking: ability to synthesize information into compelling narratives and to discuss pros and cons with intellectual honesty and humility
• Strong technical skills and presentation capabilities, ability to conduct thorough and accurate analyses with speed and use data to pressure test hypotheses

Responsibilities

Evaluation

• Evaluate investment opportunities and conduct due diligence, including market/customer research, business analysis, financials/modeling, expert calls, memos, etc.
• Our investment teams are lean, so the Associate role runs a core part of our diligence process
• Thematic Investment Origination
• Identify sectors and/or themes of coverage and originate targeted investment opportunities in that context based on research on markets and companies
• Interact with CEOs and senior executives to build relationships, diligence their companies, assess their needs, and determine the potential for a TCV partnership
• We hustle to drive the best results and strive to win as a team. Our team works together to help each other identify the best opportunities and we work in a flat and collaborative environment
• Portfolio Management / Other
• General support of the firm’s investment activities, including participation at management and board meetings, and monitoring and partnering on growth initiatives with portfolio companies

Salary Range

We have budgeted between $125K and $130K + Bonus + great benefits!

EEO Statement

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.