Investment Associate

Investment Associate (Experienced)

Innovation Works (IW) is one of the nation's most active early-stage investors and a key driver of the Pittsburgh region's startup ecosystem. Through direct investments, venture funds, and strategic support, IW helps launch and scale high-growth technology companies. IW also manages Riverfront Ventures (RFV), a venture capital fund focused on supporting promising startups and accelerating regional innovation.

The Role

Innovation Works is seeking a mid-level Investment Associate to support the firm's investment activities across its early-stage portfolio and venture fund operations. This role is ideal for a highly analytical professional who is passionate about startups, venture investing, and emerging technologies.

The Investment Associate works closely with the CEO and Senior Investment Associate to evaluate new investment opportunities, manage portfolio data and reporting, coordinate diligence processes, and support investor engagement. The role offers broad exposure to venture investing and the opportunity to work with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners shaping the future of the Pittsburgh technology economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct market research, competitive landscape analysis, and preliminary investment evaluation.
• Support diligence processes, including document review, reference calls, and financial analysis.
• Prepare internal investment summaries and materials for Investment Committee discussions.
• Participate in founder meetings and assist in follow-up diligence and analysis.
• Maintain accurate portfolio and investment data in Salesforce.
• Track follow-on investment activity and company performance metrics.
• Support quarterly reporting processes for Riverfront Ventures.
• Assist with annual portfolio valuations in coordination with external auditors.
• Prepare materials and documentation for Investment Committee meetings.
• Take meeting minutes and ensure proper documentation and follow-up.
• Coordinate scheduling of founder presentations and diligence discussions.
• Maintain investor CRM records and support outreach to potential co-investors.
• Assist in preparing materials for investor meetings and ecosystem engagements.
• Coordinate logistics for investor events and venture ecosystem programming.
• Conduct market research and sector analysis to support investment evaluation.
• Assist with the preparation of IW's annual Investment Landscape Report.
• Maintain datasets related to regional venture financing activity and portfolio performance.

Qualifications

• 35 years of experience in venture capital, investment banking, private equity, consulting, finance, or other analytical roles.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills; advanced Excel proficiency preferred.
• Experience working with startups or early-stage companies strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with venture capital financing structures and startup ecosystems.
• Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What We're Looking For

• Strong intellectual curiosity about technology, startups, and venture investing.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, self-directed work style with strong ownership of projects.
• Collaborative mindset and high level of personal integrity.

This role provides a unique opportunity to work at the center of one of the country's most dynamic regional innovation ecosystems. The Investment Associate will gain hands-on exposure to venture investing, support the growth of breakthrough startups, and contribute to the continued development of Pittsburgh as a national technology hub.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Innovation Works, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a respectful and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.