Venture Lead - Venture Capital Portfolio Operations

About the Role

The Venture Lead acts as the key operational leader for the studio's portfolio of supported ventures. This is an active role focused on helping founders progress their businesses rather than performing desk-based due diligence. Managing a portfolio of four to five ventures simultaneously at different development stages and sectors, the Venture Lead supports commercialization efforts while also overseeing pipeline activities such as deal tracking and memos. The role reports directly to the Head of Studio and requires Singapore-based work authorization with frequent travel across Southeast Asia and other critical funding markets.

Responsibilities

• Guide commercialization activities for multiple backed ventures, including business model refinement, value chain analysis, capital preparedness, and crafting compelling investor narratives.
• Develop exit strategies by identifying potential acquirers, partners, and realistic valuation scenarios within a 3-7 year timeframe.
• Collaborate with studio leadership to build strategic relationships with corporate partners, distributors, acquirers, and investors for each venture.
• Act as the primary trusted contact for founders, fostering close partnerships and trust rather than hierarchical oversight.
• Lead CEO recruitment and other key hiring processes for portfolio companies, and create support networks with advisors and specialists.
• Manage the venture pipeline from initial contact to Investment Committee decisions, including scouting, deal evaluation, memo writing, and coordination of due diligence.
• Maintain a prominent presence within the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem through founder events, accelerator demos, and industry gatherings.
• Work alongside co-investors at the deal level to strengthen relationships and ensure ongoing deal flow for the studio.

Success Criteria

• Ownership of venture pipeline management with timely assessments, clear investment recommendations, and organized pipeline tracking.
• Effective leadership and trusted relationships with founders managing 4-5 ventures, evidenced by founder feedback.
• Advancement of at least 2-3 ventures toward stronger commercial positions including improved business models, early revenue, or co-investment discussions.
• Establishment as a well-known, trusted figure within the SEA agtech and deep tech founder networks to generate high-quality deal flow.
• Completion of CEO placements for at least two ventures collaborating with leadership on talent identification and onboarding.

Candidate Profile

• Experienced startup founder or senior operator, particularly from deep tech or regulated sectors, comfortable navigating commercial challenges.
• Adept at managing multiple ventures at varying stages with agility, prioritizing founder outcomes over personal accolades.
• Strong commercial instinct with the capacity to implement decisive actions rapidly rather than relying solely on extensive planning.
• Practical experience in agribusiness or agtech sectors, understanding value chains and stakeholder dynamics.
• Background in capital raising, familiar with the processes from both investor and founder perspectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Southeast Asia's agrifood systems, key industry players, and structural challenges.
• Proficiency in a Southeast Asian language to demonstrate regional commitment.

Additional Information

Location of employment is Singapore, requiring existing work authorization. The fixed-term contract lasts until March 2028 with a negotiated salary based on experience. The role demands frequent travel across Southeast Asia and key funding hubs. Start date targeted for September 2026.