Principal

About the Role

We’re hiring a full-time Principal to join our Seed Fund Investment Team. As Principal, you’ll be at the forefront of sourcing, evaluating, and executing deals across a range of sectors, while collaborating across the broader AV platform.

The role is fundamentally T-shaped. It is a generalist investing role spanning sectors and stages, but with the encouragement to develop thesis areas. Our focus is on Pre-Seed and Seed, as well as follow-on investing in Early and Growth-stage opportunities. You’ll help shape a portfolio of 50-75 investments annually, deliver top-tier fund performance, and strengthen our position in the venture ecosystem.

You’ll work closely with the Managing Partner, Senior Associates, and broader team to identify high-potential companies, lead diligence and negotiation, and nurture relationships with founders, co-investors, and industry partners. Your network will be critical here. Cultivating relationships with colleagues, VCs, and founders to navigate your way into the most elite deals is essential. Your success will come from creativity, warmth, and smarts.

This position will be based in Menlo Park, CA, and is a hybrid role, with an expectation that this individual will work in the office at least 4 days per week. Alumni Ventures is a fast-paced, professional, entrepreneurial environment.

What You'll Do

Deal Sourcing

• Proactively source and contribute high-quality leads that align with the team’s investment thesis and firm-wide initiatives.
• Drive a strong conversion rate from sourced deals to qualified investment opportunities.

Due Diligence

• Lead initial due diligence on potential investments, engaging directly with founders, customers, and market data.
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities to strengthen investment decisions.

Investment Success

• Contribute to the successful execution of approved investments, from term sheet to close.
• Maintain tight alignment with the firm’s investment strategy to build a high-performing, well-balanced portfolio.

Network Development

• Grow and leverage a robust network of founders, VCs, and industry experts to gain access to top-tier deal flow.
• Build relationships that expand the firm’s visibility and influence in the venture ecosystem.

Administrative Support to Fundraising

• Partner with the team to support fundraising activities, investor relations, and community engagement through events, webinars, and thought leadership.

Assist with Portfolio Management

• Actively manage and support portfolio companies, fostering growth and long-term value creation.
• Monitor portfolio performance through regular CEO check-ins, performance tracking, and strategic guidance.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of professional experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, consulting, or startups.
• Hands-on familiarity with AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, Gemini) and ability to integrate them into team workflows.

Compensation includes a starting base salary of $175,000 plus equity, carry potential, and corporate bonus.