Investment Associate – WNT Ventures Are you passionate about driving innovation and helping deep tech startups scale globally? WNT Ventures is seeking an Investment Associate to support investment into cutting-edge technologies and work with some of New Zealand's best high-growth companies. About WNT Ventures WNT Ventures is a Venture Capital Fund and technology incubator based in Auckland and Tauranga. We specialise in science-backed technologies emerging from universities, Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), and private sector innovators. Our team is dedicated to partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs to turn breakthrough innovations into successful, globally competitive companies. With the upcoming establishment of Fund 4, we are looking to invest in ~15+ new deep tech companies and are seeking a dynamic Investment Associate to help drive this exciting next phase of growth. The Role As Investment Associate, you will be a key player in identifying, developing, and investing in early-stage companies with high potential. You'll work closely with founders, providing hands-on support to help them realize their vision, from initial investment to global scale-up. Key Responsibilities Sourcing and Evaluating: Identify and assess new technologies and companies for potential investment in the deep tech sector. Due Diligence: Conduct in-depth assessments of new opportunities, coordinating with WNT's Investment Managers and Partners as well as external technical and commercial experts. Investment Reporting: Prepare investment reports and recommendations and manage ongoing relationships with portfolio companies and our government stakeholders. Commercial Strategy: Collaborate with entrepreneurs to develop and execute commercialization strategies. Market Research: Stay informed about trends in the deep tech sector, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes to support investment decisions. Relationship Building: Foster strong relationships with universities, CRIs, and private sector stakeholders to access high-potential opportunities. About You You'll bring a combination of technical expertise and business acumen, along with a passion for working with innovative startups. The ideal candidate will have: A background in engineering or finance. 5+ years of experience working in start-ups, venture capital, or investment management. An understanding of investment processes and an interest in developing further in this area. Additional Experience That Will Set You Apart: Proven expertise in innovation and commercialization. A strong track record in building and managing relationships across diverse sectors. Experience in a high-growth startup environment, either as a founder or early employee. Competencies Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Excellent communication and relationship management skills. The ability to work independently while juggling multiple projects. The ability to work autonomously with an entrepreneurial mindset. A good sense of humour and a passion for early-stage innovation are essential! Why join WNT Ventures? Joining WNT Ventures presents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in New Zealand's deep tech ecosystem. As part of our team, you'll be immersed in a culture that champions inclusivity and diversity, reflected in our team and portfolio of companies which embody varied perspectives and leadership. If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and drive the next wave of breakthrough technologies, we'd love to hear from you. Location: Auckland or Tauranga (other NZ locations may be considered on a case-by-case basis) Start Date: early February 2025