Associate – Fund Investments - Seed

We are banking at another level.

Choosing BDC as your employer means working in a healthy, inclusive, and skilled workplace that puts forward the best conditions to bring together unique teams where employees are empowered to act. It also means being at the centre of ambitious economic and financial projects to see further and to do things differently, to fuel the success of Canadian entrepreneurs.

Choosing BDC as your employer also means:

• Flexible and competitive benefits, including an Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, a $750 wellness and health care spending account, to name a few   

• In addition to paid vacation each year, five personal days, sick days as necessary, and our offices are closed from December 25 to January 1

• A hybrid work model that truly balances work and personal life

• Opportunities for learning, training and development, and much more... 

Explore the BDC Way in our Culture Book

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Associate is an integral member of the BDC Capital Fund Investments team and is involved in all aspects of the investment and portfolio management process. You will help the team build and manage a diversified portfolio of fund investments.

Your primary focus will be BDC Capital's pre-seed and seed fund investment activities. You will support the sourcing, evaluation, execution and management of investments in venture capital funds that invest at the earliest stages of company formation. You will also contribute to the development of BDC Capital's relationships with emerging managers and key participants in Canada's startup and innovation ecosystem.

CHALLENGES TO BE MET

• Sourcing: Screen and assess a high volume of emerging fund managers to identify the most promising opportunities. Collaborate in the preparation of regular market reviews and prioritization analyses.
• Investing: Collaborate in the evaluation and assessment of fund investment opportunities; conducting initial and detailed reviews of investment opportunities; communicating with fund managers and references; preparing investment memorandums and recommendations; and supporting the negotiation of terms and conditions.
• Portfolio management: Collaborate with the Directors in the management of portfolio fund investments, including monitoring underlying portfolio company investments, fund performance and other related activities; communicating with fund managers; attending LPACs and AGMs; preparing analysis; and preparing presentations for senior management.
• Fund operations: Collaborate in the management of portfolio monitoring and financial systems, including the oversight of the data collection process; the review of quarterly and annual reporting; and the periodic review of systems and processes.
• Ecosystem development: Keep abreast of industry activity and best practices and contribute to positive industry visibility by establishing and maintaining continuous interaction with key industry players and attending investment conferences and other relevant events.
• Fund strategy: Conduct research, market analysis, portfolio review, performance analysis and benchmarking. This involves gathering market data; analyzing research reports; interviewing fund managers and industry experts; and building fund financial models. This includes monitoring developments in the pre-seed and seed venture capital market in Canada and internationally.
• Team meetings: Participate in team discussions, including pipeline management; review of investment opportunities and investment recommendations; and fund investment strategy.

Pre-Seed and Seed Specialization

Prior experience evaluating pre-seed and seed-stage venture funds is an asset, not a prerequisite. We are looking for a person with the curiosity, analytical capabilities and investment judgment to develop a strong understanding of emerging managers, manager differentiation and the dynamics shaping early-stage venture capital markets.

The successful candidate will build knowledge of the Canadian and global venture capital ecosystem, including the factors that contribute to successful fund formation, manager development and long-term investment performance.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce or equivalent (concentration in finance or accounting is preferred);
• CFA (completed or in progress) and/or Master's degree in Finance or a related field would be an asset;
• Three or more years of relevant work experience; experience in venture capital, private equity, fund investments or other areas of the innovation ecosystem would be an asset;
• Strong research, financial modeling and analytical skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Demonstrated initiative and curiosity to look beyond surface facts and conduct comprehensive, fact-based, value-added research;
• Interest in venture capital, emerging fund managers and the dynamics of pre-seed and seed-stage investing;
• Ability to assess information from multiple sources and develop well-supported insights regarding investment opportunities, market trends and manager differentiation;
• Ability to articulate and present facts and ideas effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and work independently using initiative and good judgment to assess priorities;
• Exercise discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive situations and maintaining an appropriate level of confidentiality;
• Excellent interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills in English; French fluency would be a strong asset.
• Proficiency with AI tools

Proudly one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible environment where all employees can thrive and feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

While we appreciate all applications, we advise that only the candidates selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted.