Venture Associate, LKYGBPC Accelerator (2-year contract), IIE

COMPANY DESCRIPTION Singapore Management University is a place where high-level professionalism blends together with a healthy informality. The 'family-like' atmosphere among the SMU community fosters a culture where employees work, plan, organise and play together - building a strong collegiality and morale within the university. Our commitment to attract and retain talent is ongoing. We offer attractive benefits and welfare, competitive compensation packages, and generous professional development opportunities - all to meet the work-life needs of our staff. No wonder, then, that SMU continues to be given numerous awards and recognition for its human resource excellence. RESPONSIBILITIES Named after Singapore's founding prime minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the LKYGBPC is a global competition that identifies promising young scientific entrepreneurs from universities to solve the world's biggest problems. The newly launched LKYGBPC Accelerator will further support this mission by anchoring high-potential startups in Singapore. • This position is for Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE). • Startup Scouting and Ecosystem Insights • Work with the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), to actively source and recruit promising startups from Asia. • Conduct in-depth research on emerging technologies, funding trends, and ecosystem developments in Asia. • Program Delivery • Execute tailored acceleration programs, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and investor pitch events. • Provide hands-on guidance to startups on technical validation, market fit, and fundraising strategies. • Portfolio management • Support the setup and structuring of a venture fund, including fund documentation, compliance, and operational workflows. • Manage deal sourcing and evaluation of startups within the USI ecosystem, conducting due diligence and preparing investment memos. • Assist in portfolio management, including tracking performance metrics, supporting founder engagement, and identifying follow-on investment opportunities. • Ecosystem Engagement • Establish partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, corporates, and VCs in key Asian markets. • Serve as a liaison between startups and key stakeholders to drive collaborations and growth opportunities. • Mentors Engagement Programme • Support and maintain an effective deep-tech mentor engagement programme, ensuring a continuous pool of pro-bono industry expertise, creating impact for startup growth and success. • Operational Support and Monitoring • Execute program logistics, evaluate startups for admission, and track progress against KPIs. • Use data-driven approaches to continuously refine program offerings and enhance outcomes. • Work with Marcomms to develop marketing strategies to elevate the accelerator's profile and awareness within the global eco-system, including Asia. • Undertake budget and financial management of the programmes assigned. • Any other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS • Advanced degree in STEM, business, or related disciplines (PhD and/or MBA preferred) with a strong passion for deep tech and a desire to make a tangible impact. • 3 to 7 years of experience in a related field (investment analysis, incubation, etc.). Recent PhD and/or MBA graduate are welcome to apply. • Strong understanding of IP management, regulatory landscapes, emerging technology trends and commercialisation pathways in Asia. Experience in venture building or a deep tech startup environment is highly valued. • Strong knowledge of deep tech sectors, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge in unfamiliar areas. • Previous experience in venture capital firms / hedge funds will be given preference. • Excellent project management and organizational skills. • Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills. • Detail-oriented and team-oriented with a strong desire to be successful. • Comfortable with minimal amount of direction, thrive in high pressure and high expectation situations. • A keen sense of ownership and accountability and act with a sense of urgency to meet tight deadlines. • Humble, authentic, value hard work, creative problem solver and outcome driven. OTHER INFORMATION #LI-XL1 Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary. Interested applicants can submit your resumes to iietalent@smu.edu.sg Please note that your application will be sent to and reviewed by the direct employer - Singapore Management University