Investment Associate

Date: Jul ‎6, ‎2022
Location: Saudi Arabia
Company: King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
KAUST Innovation Ventures (KIV) provides seed and early-stage funding to
technology-based startups founded by KAUST faculty, researchers, students and
staff. KIV may also opportunistically invest in high-profile spin-ins, and in
other early-stage technology startups in Saudi Arabia.

The Investment Manager will be deeply involved in key activities of KIV such
as ‎1) sourcing, screening, and analyzing potential investment opportunities;
‎2) preparing investment proposals and making investment decisions and
recommendations, and ‎3) portfolio company management and assisting fund
raising activities. He/she would be expected to have experience in the
negotiation and the structuring of investments, and expected to be able to
lead and independently manage the process from sourcing to closing investments
and also experience in managing and adding value to a portfolio of companies
post-investment.

Major Responsibilities

• Scouting of internal high-profile startup projects through engaging with KAUST Faculty, Research Centres, Entrepreneurship Centre and Technology Transfer Office ie KAUST spin off companies.


• Scout start ups external to KAUST as potential spin-in opportunities.


• Lead the analysis of investment opportunities, pre-screening and conduct technical, commercial and financial due diligence (market, competition, product, technology, team, etc.), with the support of KIV team members, and external experts.


• Prepare new start up opportunities and/or existing portfolio companies for seed fund raising activities, including prepping them for investment pitch presentations and preparation of investment proposals and information packages for Senior Management or Investment Committee approvals and also pitching to external co-investors.


• Negotiation of deal structure, terms, milestones/deliverables and closing through co-ordination with the startup management team, investors, legal counsel and others parties involved.


• Support, mentor and add value to an active portfolio of KIV invested companies to assist with business strategy and growth, customer/sales acquisition and future fund raising activities.


• Take a lead in supporting and supervising junior KIV investment managers in their portfolio management and investment activities.


• An understanding of the start up ecosystem and investor network in Saudia Arabia and MENA region would be advantageous

Competencies

• Curiosity / understanding of technology and startup ecosystem.


• Strategic thinking, superior analytical and presentation skills.


• Strong financial modeling skills.


• High level of attention to detail and ability to deliver superior quality presentations and documents.


• Fluent written and spoken English.


• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint, and Excel.


• Ability to work collaboratively with other KAUST units, corporate partners, government bodies.


• Team player and goal oriented; ability to multi-task and cope with changing priorities.


• Excellent judgment, tact, discretion when dealing with confidential matters.


• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.


• Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Scientific/Technical or Finance training.


• Tertiary qualification in technical disciplines and/or business finance eg PhD, Diploma in Business Finance


• At least ‎5-‎10 years experience in Start-ups, start up environment or Venture Funding related roles