Alumni Ventures Is Hiring An Associate

Join Alumni Ventures – Empowering Global Venture Growth 🚀

Alumni Ventures is a leading venture capital platform with a strong global presence, actively connecting investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions to high-growth startups worldwide. Explore an exciting opportunity to shape our expanding footprint in Japan and Asia, leveraging innovative tools and collaborative spirit.

About Alumni Ventures 🌍

Alumni Ventures stands among the world’s most dynamic venture capital networks, having raised over $1.4 billion and invested in more than 1,600 companies. Our vibrant community of 850,000+ members and 40+ dedicated investors links accredited individuals to exclusive venture deals—traditionally reserved for institutional investors—through our alumni-driven communities and diversified co-investment strategies.

With offices spanning Boston, New York, Chicago, Menlo Park, Manchester, NH, London, and Tokyo, we’re rapidly growing and committed to fostering entrepreneurial success and developing the next generation of VC professionals.

At Alumni Ventures, we believe collaboration is key to our best work. That’s why we cultivate a 5-day in-office culture, emphasizing mentorship, shared momentum, and team synergy.

About the Role 📌

This role is based in Tokyo, Japan. Alumni Ventures will support the relocation process but cannot provide VISA sponsorship for this position.

We are seeking an Investment Professional to join our Japan-based team, initially focusing on the Japan US Bridge Fund. The exact title and level will align with the candidate’s experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying and evaluating Seed-stage investment opportunities within Japan and across Asia.
• Partnering closely with US-based investment teams for due diligence and decision-making.
• Contributing to Alumni Ventures' efforts in Japan and the broader Asian region.

This startup within a startup environment requires adaptability, self-direction, and comfort with ambiguity. Success hinges on embracing AI tools for market research, deal screening, diligence, and memo writing—leveraging AI as a core component of your workflow.

This position is a stepping stone toward becoming part of a larger local investment team and expanding Alumni Ventures’ regional presence.

Reporting & Collaboration 🤝

Collaborations will primarily involve US-based professionals across Alumni Ventures. In Tokyo, you will support the Regional Executive Managing Director for APAC, the Chairman of Alumni Ventures Japan, and the General Manager of Japan in advancing regional investment activities.

This role demands strong cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a global, distributed team.

What You’ll Do 🛠️

Deal Sourcing & Ecosystem Development

• Identify high-potential Seed-stage startups across Japan and key Asian markets.
• Build sustainable relationships with founders, angel investors, seed funds, incubators, accelerators, universities, and LPs.
• Collaborate with universities, venture firms, and LP networks to generate quality deal flow.
• Utilize AI tools to detect emerging founders, ecosystem signals, and thematic trends—accelerating sourcing and analysis.
• Maintain an organized investment pipeline.
• Represent Alumni Ventures at industry events, conferences, pitch competitions, and ecosystem gatherings.
• Plan and execute alumni-sponsored events in Tokyo and beyond, boosting our regional visibility.

Initial Screening & Investment Evaluation

• Conduct first-round assessments, including founder interviews, product evaluation, and market analysis.
• Evaluate team strength, traction, market potential, and technology edge.
• Leverage AI for faster, deeper initial research and screening.
• Create structured investment summaries for discussion with US professionals.

Diligence & Investment Process

• Coordinate comprehensive diligence with US teams—financial analysis, legal review, market validation.
• Apply AI-assisted workflows to improve diligence, including sizing, comparables, and memo drafting.
• Support the preparation of memos and materials for investment committees.
• Assist with structuring and executing investments, working alongside legal and operations teams.

Portfolio Support & Global Connectivity

• Maintain ongoing relationships with portfolio companies, supporting founders post-investment.
• Evaluate follow-on investment opportunities as companies grow and seek new rounds.
• Monitor performance metrics to inform strategic decisions.
• Help founders access international capital markets, US investors, and growth opportunities.
• Develop insights on sector trends, emerging themes, and competitive landscapes in Japan and Asia.

Who You Are 🎯

• Excited to relocate to Tokyo, Japan (relocation support available, VISA sponsorship not).
• 3–8+ years experience in venture capital, investment banking, consulting, corporate strategy, or early-stage startups.
• Knowledge of the Japanese startup scene; familiarity with broader Asian markets is a plus.
• Experience or exposure to the US venture capital ecosystem is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degrees are advantageous.
• Strong analytical skills, with ability to assess early-stage business models and technology.
• Excellent communication skills in Japanese and English, capable of working across cultures.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, self-motivated, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency with AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity) and experience integrating AI into workflows—this is a baseline requirement to ensure efficiency, depth, and quality in your work.

What Success Looks Like 🎉

• Consistent pipeline of high-quality Seed-stage opportunities across Japan and Asia.
• Strong partnerships with universities, venture firms, LPs, and ecosystem stakeholders that drive differentiated deal flow.
• Effective first-pass evaluations enabling seamless collaboration with US teams.
• Active, strategic evaluation of follow-on opportunities as portfolio companies mature.
• Established presence for Alumni Ventures in Japan and Asia, recognized as a bridge to global capital.
• Proven use of AI to enhance productivity, research, and analysis—delivering faster, richer insights.

Location & Work Authorization 🛂

• This role is based in Tokyo; travel within Japan and Asia is expected, along with periodic international trips, including to the US.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in Japan; visa sponsorship is not provided.
• Fluency in Japanese and English is essential.
• Deep understanding of the Japanese startup landscape is critical for success.

Our Culture & Values 🌟

• Team First: Success is measured by the value created for our investors, founders, and colleagues.
• Ownership & Action: We act with urgency, take responsibility, and follow through.
• Rigor & Alignment: We debate openly, use data, and execute cohesively once aligned.
• Focus & Impact: Prioritize impactful work, streamline processes, and leverage our strengths.
• AI & Innovation: Utilize emerging technologies to work smarter and amplify our human judgment.
• Curiosity & Ambition: We constantly learn, aim high, and build for lasting impact.

Benefits & Perks 🎁

We offer a comprehensive, flexible benefits package to support your health, financial security, and personal life:

• Health insurance options with employer contributions & HSA support
• Dental & vision coverage in multiple tiers
• Tax-advantaged accounts: HSA, FSA, commuter benefits (with employer contribution)
• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and company match
• Paid life & disability insurance, with optional supplements
• Support programs: EAP, wellness resources, health advocacy
• Flexible, unlimited paid time off & parental leave
• 11 company holidays annually

Privacy & Equal Opportunity 🔒

All employment contingent upon passing a background check. Alumni Ventures is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive environment free from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or other protected categories.