Venture Specialist/Lead for a global automotive company in Mountain View, CA

The Venture Specialist will lead the sourcing, evaluation, and execution of strategic venture investments across the U.S. West Coast startup ecosystem for a global automotive company.

This role focuses on early- and growth-stage startups in deep tech, mobility, robotics/AI, and sustainability. The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, execution skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional, and global environment.

The position level will be aligned with the candidate’s experience, with an opportunity for a Venture Lead title based on qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

Deal Sourcing & Investment Execution

• Generate relevant deal flow through venture platforms (e.g., PitchBook, Crunchbase), VC/CVC relationships, founder networks, accelerators, and active engagement in the West Coast startup ecosystem.
• Identify and evaluate startups that align with innovation strategy and investment priorities.
• Conduct early-stage due diligence, including analysis of:
• Market opportunity and competitive landscape
• Technical differentiation and defensibility
• Business model sustainability and financial outlook
• Team capabilities and execution strength
• Prepare clear and persuasive investment recommendations for the investment team.
• Support the full lifecycle of internal investment processes, including coordination with relevant business stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze emerging technology trends and relevant investment activity.

Open Innovation, Partnerships & Portfolio Support

• Facilitate collaboration between startups and business units, including pilots, proof-of-concepts (PoCs), and early-stage partnerships that may lead to investment.
• Manage communication, documentation, reporting, and follow-up activities between internal teams and external startup partners.
• Ensure alignment of expectations and accountability across stakeholders.

If assigned:

• Act as a board observer for designated portfolio companies and provide structured internal updates.
• Contribute to value creation through initiatives such as Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), Joint Research Agreements (JRAs), and other strategic partnerships.
• Lead relationships with selected accelerators or ecosystem partners, including deal flow review, event participation, and potential event coordination.

Networking & Ecosystem Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with venture capital firms, corporate venture groups, founders, and ecosystem partners, with a focus on the U.S. West Coast.
• Act as a representative at industry events, panels, startup evaluations, and judging opportunities.
• Support efforts to enhance visibility, reputation, and presence within the innovation and venture community.

Core Competencies

• Venture & Startup Insight: Deep understanding of early-stage companies and venture dynamics, with the ability to assess both strategic alignment and market potential.
• Analytical Thinking & Curiosity: Ability to quickly interpret complex technical and market data, ask insightful questions, and approach ambiguity with structured problem-solving.
• Cross-Cultural & Cross-Functional Communication: Comfortable working across geographies and cultures, particularly with Japan-based stakeholders. Effective communicator with technical and non-technical audiences alike.
• Professional Judgment & Execution: Highly organized and reliable in managing multiple priorities. Demonstrates sound judgment, particularly when handling sensitive or confidential information, while maintaining momentum on deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• 2–3+ years of experience in venture capital or corporate venture capital (CVC)
• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, business, or a related field
• Proven experience sourcing, evaluating, and supporting early-stage investments
• Familiarity with venture diligence practices, tools, and deal structures
• Strong interest in emerging technologies
• Willingness to travel domestically and occasionally internationally (up to 40%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Established network within the VC/CVC and startup ecosystem, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Demonstrated success in developing investment theses, building founder relationships, and advancing deals
• Experience supporting portfolio companies, strategic partnerships, or accelerator programs

Location: Role requires onsite presence four (4) days per week in Mountain View, CA. Attendance at external conferences or industry events may count toward onsite requirements.

Type: 6-month contract with potential of conversion based on assessed performance

Compensation: $65.0/hr - $71.00/hr (DOE)

• There is opportunity based on experience assessed to be classified as a Venture lead at $79.00/hr - $86.00/hr