About the job
Come join Elm Street Ventures - A Yale Focused Venture Fund | Elm Street Ventures is a Yale-focused venture fund based in New Haven, Connecticut as a General Partner!
About Elm Street Ventures
Elm Street Ventures is an early-stage venture fund focused on commercializing research from Yale University. Founded in 2006, we have invested in 32 companies to date, with 19 licensing Yale intellectual property. Yale is our largest investor, and we maintain deep connections with the university’s research community across various disciplines. While the majority of our investments are in the life sciences, we also actively invest in technologies from other fields, particularly the School of Engineering and Climate Technology sectors. Our mission is to generate strong financial returns while catalyzing entrepreneurial activity in the Yale/New Haven ecosystem. Notably, our team has co-founded approximately one-third of our investments and often provides the first capital into a company. Our portfolio companies have collectively raised over $1 billion since our inception.
Innovation at Yale
Yale boasts a rich history of research-driven innovation. The Yale School of Medicine recently secured over $570 million in NIH funding, ranking 4th nationally, contributing to the university’s overall research expenditure of nearly $1.2 billion, placing it 21st in the nation. In 2023, Yale announced a historic investment in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, enhancing infrastructure and expanding faculty positions. Elm Street Ventures maintains a close relationship with Yale Ventures, the university’s office dedicated to supporting translational efforts, which has seen significant growth over the past three years.
The New Haven/Connecticut Ecosystem
New Haven has a storied history of innovation, with the state of Connecticut actively supporting the growth of the innovation economy. Elm Street Ventures collaborates closely and frequently co-invests with Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public organization that has invested more than $675 million in the state since 1995 and maintains an active portfolio of over 220 companies. We also have strong relationships with other venture funds within Connecticut and the broader region. Beyond a thriving life sciences ecosystem, Connecticut offers favorable income tax treatment for venture capital general partners investing in the life sciences.
General Partner | Role Overview
We are seeking a General Partner to join our team to help manage the portfolios of ESV I and ESV II and collaborate on raising our next fund. The two current managing partners plan to transition to advisory roles in the coming years. The new partner will work alongside Jonas Clark, who joined as a partner in May 2024, to chart the future of the fund. In addition to the general partners, the fund is currently operating with a small team of part-time venture partners, as well as several science and technical advisors. The role is a great fit for someone who understands the long journey of building a successful company, who is motivated by its challenges, and who values bringing important products and services to the world that improve people’s lives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deal Sourcing and Evaluation: Identify and assess potential investment opportunities.
- Leading Investment Decisions: Drive the decision-making process for new investments.
- Portfolio Management: Oversee and support portfolio companies to ensure growth and success.
- Fundraising and Investor Relations: Engage with current and potential investors to secure funding and maintain strong relationships.
- Developing Fund Strategy: Collaborate with partners to define and implement the fund’s strategic direction.
- Mentoring Portfolio Companies: Provide guidance and support to portfolio company leadership teams.
- Building and Maintaining a Strong Network: Cultivate relationships within the venture capital and entrepreneurial communities.
Qualifications:
- Proven track record in venture capital or relevant startups.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Excellent networking and relationship-building abilities.
- Deep understanding of emerging technologies and the ability to quickly understand new research developments.
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to play a key role in an innovative and impactful venture capital fund.
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
- Flexibility and autonomy in work arrangements.
Elm Street Ventures is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We welcome all candidates to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
