Investment Associate

Fictiv•Oakland, CA

12d•$125,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Misumi Ventures is a newly launched, $50 million early-stage fund investing at the intersection of frontier hardware, robotics, automation, and industrial AI. The fund aims to build a portfolio of 20 to 30 seed and early-stage companies, with a specific thesis focused on bridging the gap between prototype and production for hardware companies. Portfolio companies gain access to MISUMI's extensive manufacturing resources. As the fund's first dedicated full-time investment professional, the Investment Associate will have a broad scope, including building the deal funnel, managing fund positioning, supporting diligence and portfolio companies, and handling LP reporting. The role reports to the Managing Partner and involves participation in investment discussions.

Requirements

Two to four years in venture capital, investment banking, management consulting, corporate development, or an operating role at a hardware or deep-tech company.
Demonstrated technical fluency in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, manufacturing, or a related field.
Strong written communication skills for memos, market analysis, and LP reporting.
Comfort operating without an existing playbook in a fund making its first investments.

Nice To Haves

Established relationships in the venture, engineering, or founder community, or a clear plan for building them.
Prior exposure to hardware, robotics, aerospace, medtech, or industrial automation as an investor, engineer, or operator.
Familiarity with manufacturing, supply chain, or design-for-manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with investors across relevant sectors, accelerator programs, and university research channels to generate deal flow.
Map current funding activities in robotics, automation, aerospace, and industrial software.
Conduct initial meetings with potential investments and write memos for partner review.
Own the fund's external presence, including website, content, and founder communications.
Organize founder dinners, technical sessions, and events to establish fund presence.
Perform technical and commercial diligence, including customer references, expert calls, competitive analysis, and market sizing.
Connect portfolio companies with MISUMI's engineering and sourcing resources.
Support portfolio companies with recruiting, customer introductions, and subsequent financings.
Manage quarterly reporting to Limited Partners (LPs).
Coordinate with the fund administrator and MISUMI Americas finance organization.
Prepare portfolio and pipeline reports for the investment committee.
Maintain the CRM and ensure data discipline.