Job Summary
The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a unique program for massively scalable early stage science-based technology startups with locations in Canada, USA, France and the UK. CDL-Vancouver is anchored at the UBC Sauder School of Business, supporting and contributing to the entire west coast innovation ecosystem in Canada and in the US.
CDL is a high priority and high-profile initiative for the UBC Sauder School of Business and UBC. Program outcomes can be expected to have a significant impact on UBC Sauder and UBC's public profile and standing in the eyes of Universities, the startup & technology sector, and the general public in both Canada and the US.
The Venture Manager is responsible for several elements of day-to-day CDL-Vancouver operations, including identifying potential opportunities, venture recruiting, account management for the ventures in the cohort, and supporting the delivery of CDL programming.
Work Performed
Venture Recruiting
- Identifies and creates lists of centres of innovation in Western Canadian and US Universities, venture capital funds, incubators & accelerators and tech associations to build a strong pipeline of CDL applicants.
- Proactively searches and creates new business relationships for CDL-Vancouver and works with Senior Venture Managers to engage current and future cohorts.
- Manages day-to-day facilitation between CDL-Vancouver, new ventures and other groups.
- Advises on the development of outreach strategy for recruitment of future CDL-Vancouver cohort based on past experience.
- Builds pipeline of CDL-Vancouver prospects and implements system for monitoring.
- Utilizes analytical tools and evaluation frameworks to assess fit for early-stage science and engineering-based start-ups that apply for the CDL program.
- Conducts initial screening of all CDL-Vancouver applicants and provides recommendations to decision committee.
Venture Management
- Supports Venture Managers and Senior Venture Managers with account management activities, including communications, research and overall client management.
- Provides business development support to CDL-Vancouver ventures, as required.
- Reviews and documents interactions between ventures, CDL Scientists, investors, and MBA/BCom students.
- Creates plans based on interactions with ventures and provides advice to different groups.
- Utilizes project management systems and generates reports for senior management on weekly basis.
CDL Operations
- Supports strategic process improvement initiatives and makes recommendations to Senior Venture Managers to ensure business success in the CDL-Vancouver division.
- Reports on CDL-Vancouver KPIs and creates initial plans to present to the Senior Venture Managers and Director.
- Supports rollout of integrated communication strategy (social media, PR, etc.) in collaboration with CDL Toronto team.
- Provides ad hoc event planning support to CDL-Vancouver division.
Minimum Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- Minimum of four years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own.
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
- STEM degree or technology background is preferred.
- Significant experience working with startups, technology companies, or venture capital.
- Strong analytical ability and understanding of business models and drivers of success in startups across several verticals.
- Experience analyzing and systematically evaluating ventures.
- Proficiency with financial modeling, conducting market analysis, and strategic planning is an asset.
- Experience and confidence engaging with multiple stakeholders.
- Entrepreneurial and highly motivated with strong interest in startups and venture capital.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Highly organized with strong project management experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong, team-oriented work ethic with willingness to work independently and autonomously.