Ventures Analyst

The company

Plug and Play Tech Center is one of the world’s most active VCs, investing in more than 250 startups per year, and the largest open innovation platform, bringing together the best startups with the world's leading corporations to foster meaningful connections that drive innovation globally.

Present in over 60 locations worldwide, Plug and Play operates more than 20 industry-specific programs annually, boasts a proprietary database with over 80,000 startups, and collaborates with 550+ corporate partners. Our extensive network includes leading companies such as Visa, UniCredit, Mercedes-Benz, UnipolSai, Roche, Pfizer, Walmart, Coca-Cola, Adidas, and many others.

Our mission is to extend the entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley to every corner of the world. In Italy, we launched in 2019 and our offices are in Milan, Turin, Modena. Soon, we’ll be landing in Southern Italy, with the launch of a new office in Catania with the ambition to create the primary Startup Accelerator and Innovation Hub in Italy and beyond focused on the infrastructure sector.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We are looking for a Venture Analyst, who will be the main interface with the Innovation divisions of our corporate partners, scouting promising startups, assessing their potential for investment, and fostering unique opportunities for them and the corporate partners. You will follow Plug and Play’s proven model to ensure successful collaborations.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

As a Venture Analyst, you will play a critical role in:

Sourcing startups and managing the accelerator deal flow process:

• Research and analyze the market and industry trends to identify the best early-stage companies, within the Infrastructure sector and beyond, in Italy and abroad.
• Assist the senior team in evaluating startups from various sources.
• Manage the investment process end-to-end: from the execution of accurate due diligence and investment recommendations, to the effective negotiation of term sheets and contracts with startups.
• Support accelerator initiatives and engagement with pitch events, dealflow sessions, and meetups.
• Create meaningful and positive relationships with the startups involved in the program.
• Monitor startups to seize and analyze opportunities for follow-on investments.
• Manage relationships with other co-investors with a proactive and collaborative approach.

Customer Engagement:

• Build trusted relationships with corporate partners, understanding their technology needs and innovation challenges.
• Introduce the most innovative startups to corporate partners, guide corporate executives through the startup evaluation process, and collaborate with them in the provision of different services.

Supporting the wider Plug and Play Italy team:

• Help the team to organize the main events, both in the run-up preparation and during the day.
• Assist the senior team in their various activities.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (preferably construction/civil engineering, energy engineering, industrial engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering) or in business (only if the applicant has demonstrated experience working with startups, leveraging innovative technologies, or in infrastructure-related relevant projects).
• Fluency in both Italian and English (minimum level C1).

Additional Qualifications (considered as a plus):

• Master’s Degree (preferably construction/civil engineering, energy engineering, industrial engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering).
• Technical knowledge of the most relevant technology and market trends, especially related to Green Energy, Infrastructure Monitoring, Energy Engineering, Construction, and similar topics.
• Knowledge of how Venture Capital and startup accelerators work.

Professional Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in venture capital or the startup ecosystem, with solid knowledge of cap tables, startup financing, term sheets, and growth metrics.

and/or

• 1-3 years of experience in the infrastructure sector (energy, telco, digital, transportation infrastructures), especially if combined with involvement in innovative industrial projects.

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and public speaking skills, with experience building relationships at all levels, including with C-suite executives and VC partners.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues, prospects and industry contacts.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and written communication skills.

OTHERS:

• Willingness to relocate to Catania and work on the creation of one of the most important Innovation Hubs in Southern Italy.
• Passion for venture capital, startups, and emerging technology trends, especially in the infrastructure sector.
• Work or study experience abroad is considered a plus.
• Available as of December 2024.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Meal vouchers and competitive performance-based bonuses.
• Large office space in the Catania city center with everything you need to perform at best.
• Flexibility between time at the office and work from home, based on activities of the year.
• Be part of Plug and Play - the biggest and fastest-growing startup innovation platform.
• Be at the forefront of innovation and technology with an open-minded team.