About the job
Purpose of the role
Ajinomoto Group Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Ajinomoto, a global technology leader in amino science. The team invests in transformative companies that extend health span, create new ways to process information, and tackle complex sustainability challenges.
The Venture Partner position will support and advance Ajinomoto Group Ventures’ investment and innovation activities in the ICT segment, driving deal flow, assessing opportunities, and executing investments, all within a corporate environment where investment decisions are driven by strategic alignment, integration potential, and long-term value creation.
Education and experience
- 5+ years of experience in venture capital, private equity, or relevant roles within operating companies, with exposure to both investment execution and strategic or business-oriented decision-making
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, materials science, business, or finance)
- Strong hands-on experience with US venture investment processes, including deal sourcing, due diligence, and execution
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate and prioritize investment opportunities based on both financial merit and strategic relevance, including potential business impact within a corporate context
- Demonstrated track record or strong network in one or more of the following sectors:
Semiconductors
Batteries / energy storage
Advanced materials
- Experience working with global or cross-border teams and navigating complex corporate environments is a plus
Primary responsibilities
- Independently develop and refine investment theses, and originate and drive investment ideas based on differentiated insights and clear strategic hypotheses
- Translate emerging technology and market trends into actionable strategic hypotheses for the organization
- Challenge and refine internal assumptions by bringing external market perspectives and independent analysis
- Source and introduce high-quality investment opportunities aligned with Ajinomoto’s ICT and advanced materials focus areas
- Conduct initial screening and perform due diligence in collaboration with the internal investment team
- Actively participate in deal execution, including syndicate coordination and negotiation where applicable
- Identify and advance opportunities where collaboration between the company and startups can drive meaningful strategic advantage
- Contribute to portfolio value creation by strategic input and ecosystem introductions (investors, partners, customers)
- Expand and maintain strong relationships across venture capital firms, startups, universities, research institutions, and industry partners
- Represent Ajinomoto Group Ventures at industry events, conferences, and networking engagements to enhance visibility and deal flow
- Provide regular updates and actionable insights to internal stakeholders
Working models and conditions
- Part-time engagement (~84 hours per month; approximately 3 days per week equivalent)
- Flexible working schedule, aligned around key meetings and agreed deliverables
- Hybrid working model, with a preference for candidates based in the Palo Alto area and occasional onsite presence as needed
- Occasional domestic travel within the United States for meetings, events, and ecosystem engagement
- Participation in key global meetings, either remotely or in person as required