About Applied Ventures
Applied Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Applied Materials, the materials engineering company for the semiconductor and display industries. Applied Ventures deploys up to USD 100m annually, invests globally, and is stage-agnostic.
The team invests in deep tech founders building next-generation semiconductors, advanced materials, photonics, AI/ML hardware, Physical AI, AI for Science and Materials, energy-efficient computing, and display technologies.
The role
The Senior Investment Associate role is based in Santa Clara, CA and reports to the Global Head of Applied Ventures. It is a corporate venture capital role for a candidate with technical depth, commercial instinct, and investment rigor.
What you will do
- Source proprietary deal flow across priority sectors and cultivate founders, labs, accelerators, and co-investors across the US, Europe, and Asia.
- Pressure-test investment theses and build conviction.
- Lead end-to-end diligence across technology, market, team, IP, manufacturability, unit economics, and customer validation.
- Build models, cap tables, and return scenarios.
- Coordinate technical diligence with Applied Materials R&D and business units.
- Draft IC memos that lead with a clear point of view.
- Support portfolio companies through KPI tracking, board prep, follow-on strategy, customer introductions, and board observer work.
- Represent Applied Ventures at industry, university, and government forums.
- Contribute to reporting, fund strategy, and CVC partnerships.
Qualifications
- MBA from a top program and/or MS/PhD in a relevant STEM field.
- Strong STEM undergraduate background preferred.
- 4-8+ years post-graduate experience across at least two of venture/growth equity, strategy/management consulting, and technology product development in deep tech, semiconductors, hardware, materials, or AI.
- Deep tech and AI experience required, including semiconductors, advanced packaging, advanced materials, photonics, AI/ML hardware, Physical AI, AI for Science/Materials, energy-efficient computing, or displays.
- Track record owning IC memos, landscapes, technical diligence, financial models, or product strategy end to end.
- Nice to have: direct VC track record, patents, publications, shipped products, or international working experience in deep tech ecosystems.
Compensation
Salary range: USD 161,000-221,000. Travel approximately 10%. Relocation eligible.