Verdex Capital is a purpose-driven venture capital firm that invests in the Canadian food and agriculture sectors. Our mission is to advance Canadian agriculture. In pursuit of this, we invest risk capital into early-stage companies and the teams behind them. Our goal is to achieve strong financial returns while having a meaningful impact on agriculture innovation. With over 120 investments made over 27 years, we have a long history of venture capital investing.
Verdex currently invests from Carrot Ventures, a venture studio, and from AgriFund, a co-investment vehicle.
Who We are Looking For
The Investment Manager will be a senior member of the investment team, responsible for investment activities, from sourcing and evaluating opportunities to managing portfolio companies through to exit. The ideal candidate has a background in the commercialization of early-stage technologies as well as familiarity with venture capital. We are looking for someone who knows how get ideas ‘out of the lab’ and into commercial reality. Your strong analytical skills as well as an entrepreneurial mindset is coupled with a naturally curious approach to technology and innovation.
You are experienced. Minimum 10-15+ years of professional experience within the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and / or venture investing coupled with a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. A master’s or other advanced degree is preferred.
You are collaborative. Comfortable drawing on each team member’s knowledge and skills in the interest of achieving the best outcomes. You contribute without hesitation and commit to coordinated interaction within the team towards a common goal.
You are decisive. Faced with ambiguity and lack of clarity, you use analytical skills to apply a “prove it” mindset towards defining a path forward. You strive toward conclusions and actionable outcomes at appropriate points in the process.
You are communicative. Through a blend of verbal, written, presentation, and analytical skills, you form initial opinions, seek clarity, generate understanding, and convey views to internal and external audiences.
You are self-directed. You are proactive, independent, and possess a personal sense of professional responsibility to efficiently deliver results in the interest of overall team goals.
You are risk tolerant. You know that getting from idea to commercial reality has unpredictable outcomes no matter the due diligence. You are comfortable balancing diligence and ambiguity to move opportunities forward.
What you will do:
· Deal Sourcing: Identify and evaluate potential technology ideas and investment opportunities through industry research, networking, attending relevant events and other business development activities.
· Due Diligence: Assess the merits of opportunities by conducting comprehensive due diligence, including market research, competitive assessments, as well as legal and financial analysis.
· Deal Execution: Negotiate and structure appropriate investment terms, working with legal and financial advisors as appropriate. Prepare investment memos and present recommendations to the investment committee.
· Portfolio Management: Provide strategic guidance and support to our portfolio companies, helping them achieve growth milestones and navigate their challenges through to exit.
· Technical and Market Analysis: Understand how opportunities and our portfolios fit into an ever-evolving market by staying informed about relevant industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics.
· Fund Management: Contribute to fund management activities, including investor relations with LPs and GPs, as appropriate.
· Investment Strategy: Support the development and execution of investment strategies that align with our goals and objectives.
· Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and other venture capital firms.
Sound like you?
If this sounds like an opportunity that is aligned to your experience, skillsets, and passion for innovation and venture investing, we encourage you to submit a cover letter along with a resume (as one file) detailing how your career history and education make the ideal candidate for this role. Please note, this role is based at our beautiful headquarters in Calgary, Alberta and only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Only Canadian residents or those with ongoing work authorization in Canada will be considered