As VP, LP Strategic Partnerships at Aero X Ventures—a specialized venture capital firm accelerating critical technologies in Aerospace & Defense (A&D)—you report directly to Managing Partner. This high-engagement role extends beyond traditional Investor Relations, focusing on building deep, value-driven relationships with Limited Partners (LPs). You will drive active LP collaboration on deal flow, co-investments in Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), and strategic initiatives that enhance mutual value.
You will support LP retention, expansion, and capital raising for Fund II (currently launching), Fund III (targeted 2028), and ongoing co-investment vehicles (including portfolio follow-ons and larger pre-IPO growth investments of $25M+). These efforts will build a track record to support a potential future growth fund alongside the core venture strategy.
The role emphasizes institutional strategic investors in A&D. It is designed for growth, with potential to evolve into a partnership track as the firm scales, incorporating broader responsibilities in strategy, operations, and investment oversight.
Key Responsibilities
LP Relationship Management and Engagement. Cultivate and maintain high-touch relationships with 100+ existing LP relationships, serving as their primary point of contact. Facilitate active involvement in deal flow through LP-exclusive sessions, collaborative brainstorming on A&D trends, and strategic alignment discussions. Use expertise to foster trust and long-term commitment among institutional investors.
Structured LP Cadence for Deal Flow and Co-Investment Review. Establish and manage a consistent, value-driven cadence to review emerging deal flow and co-investment opportunities, benefiting the firm through increased participation, faster closes, and enhanced syndication:
Monthly or bi-monthly deal flow updates (e.g., email briefs, short virtual sessions, dashboard shares) highlighting 3–5 high-potential A&D opportunities, market insights, and early co-investment indicators.
Quarterly dedicated co-investment and deal review calls/webinars (30–60 minutes) for in-depth discussions on live/near-term deals, valuation rationale, strategic fit, risks, and terms—providing LPs with first-look advantages.
Ad hoc “hot deal” alerts for time-sensitive opportunities, with rapid-response channels for feedback and commitments. Track participation metrics, LP preferences (stage, sub-sector), and feedback to refine the cadence and prioritize firm-beneficial opportunities.
LP Pipeline Development and Capital Raising. Lead organization and tracking of the LP pipeline, with primary focus on LP commitments. Identify, prospect, and engage new institutional LPs (e.g., defense contractors, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds) via industry networks, events, and targeted outreach. Join LP calls, pitch meetings, and diligence sessions. Expand the LP base through referrals and external sourcing to grow commitments for Fund II, Fund III, and co-investment vehicles.
Data Organization and CRM Management. Oversee centralization and maintenance of LP data (contacts, commitment history, preferences, engagement metrics). Utilize Carta for LP onboarding, cap table management, and real-time reporting; integrate with CRM tools for pipeline tracking to enable personalized deal flow sharing.
Portfolio Insights and Reporting Collaboration. Partner with the operations team for real-time portfolio updates. Support preparation and delivery of quarterly LP reports, highlighting key metrics (IRR, MOIC), value creation stories, and LP-specific co-investment performance. Incorporate cadence feedback to demonstrate responsiveness.
Event Leadership and AGM Ownership. Lead planning and execution of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), including agenda setting, speaker coordination, and interactive sessions on deal flow/co-investments. Organize additional LP events (e.g., webinars, portfolio site visits, A&D roundtables) aligned with the cadence.
Co-Investment Facilitation. Manage invitations, onboarding, diligence, term sheet reviews, and post-investment updates for LPs in SPVs and growth-stage deals. Build a strong track record to support future fundraising.
Strategic Advisory and Growth Initiatives. Advise the Managing Partner on LP retention/expansion strategies, including personalized value-add programs (e.g., A&D ecosystem introductions). Monitor satisfaction via surveys/feedback; identify upsell opportunities. As the role evolves toward partnership, assume additional duties such as firm strategy contributions, team mentoring, and special A&D projects.
Compliance, Risk Management, and Analytics. Ensure all interactions comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., SEC guidelines). Track churn risks and develop mitigations. Analyze engagement metrics (cadence attendance, co-investment conversion rates) to optimize strategies and demonstrate relationship ROI.
Success Metrics: LP retention rates, co-investment participation, fund fundraising progress, pipeline growth, and overall LP engagement/satisfaction.
This role positions you as a leader within the firm, drawing directly on experience in A&D, venture capital, strategic partnerships, portfolio management, value creation, and executive advisory to deliver exceptional LP value in the competitive A&D VC landscape.
Qualifications
At least 2 years of Venture Capital or Private Equity Experience
Experience in Aerospace & Defense related industries (Preferred)
Experience in Investor Relations and building strong relationships with limited partners and stakeholders
Strong background in managing high-value client relationships and sales processes
Strong Analytical Skills and a deep understanding of financial analysis
Proficiency in crafting Press Releases and Corporate Communications
Solid background in Finance and understanding of market trends
Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA Preferred)