Investment Associate - Innovation Works, Inc.

Investment Associate – Innovation Works, Inc.

Position Summary

The Investment Associate plays a critical role in supporting Innovation Works’ (IW) investment activities across its portfolio of early-stage companies and its venture capital fund, Riverfront Ventures (RFV). The role reports directly to the CEO, who continues to oversee investment strategy in a CIO capacity. This is a highly self-directed, detail-oriented position that provides essential operational, analytical, and research support to the investment team.

The Investment Associate focuses on day‑to‑day execution: managing data systems, conducting foundational research, preparing materials, supporting diligence workflows, and ensuring the integrity of investment and portfolio information. The role works closely with the Senior Investment Associate, who provides strategic direction, leads investor relationships, and oversees high‑level deal origination and investment strategy.

Primary Responsibilities

Investment Operations & Transaction Support

• Maintain IW’s master portfolio data within Salesforce and ensure accurate tracking of external follow‑on investments.
• Support the investment pipeline by preparing materials for internal discussions and Investment Committee meetings.
• Prepare meeting materials, take minutes for Investment Committee meetings, and ensure timely distribution of documents.
• Provide administrative and document‑related support to Legal Counsel for portfolio transactions, contracts, and compliance. with legal tasks related to portfolio transactions, documentation, and compliance.

Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting

• Track investment and financing activity in Salesforce; ensure accuracy and consistency across systems.
• Manage quarterly reporting processes for RFV.
• Conduct annual portfolio company valuations in collaboration with RFV and external auditors.
• Maintain updated lists of portfolio company revenues, cash investments, and activity by program, fiscal year, and calendar year.
• Input quarterly investment data into industry databases, including PitchBook and CB Insights.

Investor Relations & Ecosystem Engagement

• Maintain and update the investor CRM, ensuring clean, accurate engagement records and sector categorization.
• Support investor outreach efforts by preparing lists, drafting communication materials, and assisting with follow‑up documentation.
• Assist the Senior Investment Associate and CEO in preparing materials for investor meetings and ecosystem engagements.
• Coordinate logistics for investor events, matchmaking sessions, and IW’s major investor‑facing programs.
• Participate in regional investor events to support relationship‑building activities directed by senior team members.
• Support ecosystem engagement activities as assigned.

Portfolio Company Support

• Provide structured opportunities for portfolio companies to meet with the investment team for support with financial modeling, projections, and data‑driven fundraising preparation.
• Guide building initial research packets for portfolio companies, including investor lists, sector reports, and benchmarking data.

Data, Research & Communications Support

• Support business development and marketing teams by preparing accurate portfolio metrics, charts, and data extracts.
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of dashboards, standardized datasets, and portfolio analytics tools.
• Prepare draft sections, visualizations, and background research for the annual Investment Landscape Report in collaboration with EY.
• Perform market research, competitive landscape mapping, and quantitative analysis to support internal reporting and strategic communications.
• Create and maintain annual internal reporting on regional and IW‑specific financing trends, ensuring data accuracy and clear formatting.

Other Duties

• Attend venture fairs, angel group events, ecosystem convenings, and other relevant activities on behalf of IW.
• Take on additional tasks or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; finance, business, economics, engineering, or scientific/technical majors preferred.

Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in venture capital, investment banking, private equity, consulting, finance, or relevant analytical roles preferred.
• Experience working with startups, early-stage companies, or within a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment is a strong plus.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems preferred.
• Familiarity with early-stage investing, startup ecosystems, and venture financing structures is a plus.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills, including comfort with financial modeling, Excel, and databases.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proactive, self-starting work style with strong follow-through.
• High personal integrity and commitment to team collaboration.
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership.

Innovation Works, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a respectful and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.