Ventures Associate

Plug and Play Tech Center•Washington DC, DC

About The Position

Plug and Play Tech Center is seeking a Ventures Associate to champion its business model and source opportunities within the Aerospace & Defense vertical. This role is crucial for building the ecosystem and investment portfolio by identifying and supporting promising startups. The Ventures Associate will work closely with both startups and corporate partners, conducting market research, analyzing trends, and facilitating connections to drive innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field preferred
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a startup environment or within private finance.
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to reason strategically, analytically, and creatively.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, unstructured environment
Exceptional organizational skills, with a keen eye for detail and the capability to meet tight deadlines with accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Background in government, military, or defense contractor experience.
Established knowledge and professional network within the aerospace and defense community.
Experience in educating and engaging diverse stakeholders, including communities, corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations.

Responsibilities

Source Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A startups for investment opportunities, introductions to corporate partners, and the accelerator program.
Assess promising startups based on technology and Aerospace & Defense industry knowledge.
Evangelize Plug and Play to potential network partners including startup, investor, corporate, university, and government representatives.
Mentor startups on product-to-market strategies, fundraising, and scaling.
Analyze market dynamics, industry trends, and the startup competitive landscape.
Support the deal team on investment opportunities.
Build a network of Venture Capitalists and other investors.
Connect startups with industry-specific advisors, tech vendors, and service providers.
Conduct market and technology research for corporate partners to identify trends and opportunities.
Work with corporations and industry experts to identify mentoring areas.
Conduct in-depth business analysis to identify new competitive opportunities in Aerospace & Defense.
Evaluate startup performance, scalability, and technological edge using data-driven methodologies.
Provide event production and logistical support for demo days, mentor sessions, and other events.
Source and evaluate emerging tech solutions and startups that align with corporate partner pain points.
Collaborate with corporate executives in deal flow sessions.