As Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm and one of the most active investors on the East Coast, Connecticut Innovations (CI) manages a portfolio of 220+ companies spanning life sciences, technology, and climate tech. Each year, CI meets with hundreds of entrepreneurs to identify the most promising early-stage companies growing in Connecticut. CI invests in 20+ new companies annually and provides follow-on capital to existing portfolio companies. It also invests as a Limited Partner in Connecticut-based venture funds—17 funds in the past six years.
Since 1989, CI has:
Invested $700+ million in innovative startups
Generated $7+ billion in outside capital (10X leverage)
In fiscal year 2025, CI invested $45.8 million in 67 companies and venture funds, helping attract an additional $653 million in outside capital. The year also generated $43.2 million in proceeds, fueling future investments in early-stage companies.
Our culture is vibrant, diverse, and collaborative. We share a mission-driven commitment to strengthening Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem. CI participates in 20+ ecosystem events annually, and our headquarters at District New Haven serves as a hub for partnership, community, and innovation.
Future Fund
Only 8% of venture-backed startup founders are women. Just 1% are Black, and only 0.4% are Latinx.
The CI Future Fund was created to back early-stage companies led by diverse founders with bold ideas and real-world impact. With a $50 million fund, we’re industry agnostic—but deeply committed to diversity at the board and executive level.
We believe the best founders are those who are personally connected to the problems they’re solving and the communities they’re building for. That kind of authenticity and insight gives them an edge from day one—and we’re here to help them win.
Future Fund Venture Team Internship
Join CI’s Venture Team to gain hands-on venture capital experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Interns contribute to projects that strengthen the venture infrastructure, support due diligence, and drive portfolio success.
We seek MBA or undergraduate students with a strong interest in the intersection between venture capital and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Preference for applicants who have explored diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives through their coursework, research, or practical experience
The Future Fund Venture Team is small in size, but each team member plays a pivotal role in investment due diligence and post-investment portfolio growth. The team values diverse perspectives, bold thinking, and mission alignment.
Responsibilities
Collect and analyze data on portfolio activity, industries, markets, and competitors
Support investment monitoring, financial analysis, and market research
Assist with due diligence, including business plan assessment and company evaluations
Build financial models and prepare presentations for the CI Investment Committee
Contribute to lead generation, sourcing, and business development activities
Qualifications
Current MBA or undergraduate student
Strong interest in venture capital and early-stage innovation
Research, extracurricular or professional experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
Based in or studying in Connecticut
Available to work on-site two days per week (Mondays and Wednesdays required) in New Haven
Skills & Competencies
Passionate about startups and community building
Curious, proactive, and adaptable
Highly organized with strong follow-through
Skilled communicator who can synthesize complex data
Team-oriented with a positive attitude and sense of humor
The CI Intern Experience
As a CI Intern, you’ll dive into Connecticut’s startup ecosystem—learning, building, and connecting along the way.
You’ll have an opportunity to:
Level up your VC skills: Participate in a structured venture capital curriculum
Develop professionally: Attend workshops to enhance business and leadership skills
Work on real deals: Collaborate with interns and CI staff on active investments
Network across Connecticut: Meet entrepreneurs, portfolio teams, and industry leaders
Engage with founders: Attend live pitches and executive sessions
Shape CI’s future: Contribute to investments and process improvements
Explore the ecosystem: Join day trips to portfolio companies and fund partners
Enjoy perks: Great food, fun events, and exclusive CI swag
Equal Opportunity Employer
Connecticut Innovations is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.