Principal

About the Role 

As Principal, you'll be based in our New York City office, sourcing, evaluating, and executing investments in promising startups alongside one of our investment teams while contributing across the broader Alumni Ventures platform. You'll join a close-knit, four-person investment team working directly with the Managing Partner.

This is a broad, generalist investing role that spans sectors and stages, with room to build deep expertise in one or two areas over time. Our main focus is Seed and Series A, with some Pre-Seed and Growth-stage investing as well. You'll help build a portfolio of approximately 25 new investments annually, plus 25+ follow-on investments in existing companies, and play a direct role in the fund's performance.

We invest as a co-investor, typically alongside a lead firm rather than leading rounds ourselves. In practice, that means you'll build deep relationships with lead investors and founders and play an active role in supporting portfolio companies.

You'll work closely with the Managing Partner, Senior Principal, and Senior Associates, as well as the broader team, to identify promising companies, help lead due diligence, and build relationships with founders, co-investors, and other industry partners. Your ability to develop a network will be critical here. The relationships you build with other investors and founders will often determine whether we get into the most promising deals. Your success will come from intellectual curiosity, creativity, hustle, warmth, and smarts.

What You’ll Do 

Deal Sourcing

• Develop investment theses and proactively source high-quality leads that align with those beliefs and firm-wide initiatives.
• Drive a strong conversion rate from sourced deals to qualified investment opportunities.

Due Diligence

• Lead initial due diligence on potential investments, engaging directly with founders, customers, and market data.
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities to strengthen investment decisions.

Investment Success

• Drive the successful execution of approved investments, from term sheet to close.
• Maintain tight alignment with the firm’s investment strategy to build a high-performing, well-balanced portfolio.

Network Development

• Grow and leverage a robust network of founders, VCs, and industry experts to gain access to top-tier deal flow.
• Build relationships that raise the firm's profile and reputation across the startup and investing world.

Fundraising & Investor Relations

• Support fundraising and investor relations by helping with founder- and investor-facing events, webinars, and writing that raises the firm's profile.

Portfolio Management

• Actively manage and support a portfolio of companies, providing management with advice and support to foster growth and long-term value creation.
• Monitor portfolio performance through regular CEO check-ins, performance tracking, and strategic guidance.

Who You Are 

• 7+ years of professional experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, consulting, or startups.
•  Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• A track record of sourcing and helping close deals on your own, backed by a strong personal network in venture, startups, or a related field.
•  Experience leading or playing a major role in due diligence, including sizing up a market, understanding competitors, and talking to references, resulting in a clear investment recommendation.
• Comfort working independently on a small, fast-moving team.
• Hands-on familiarity with AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, Gemini) and the ability to use them in everyday work.

Our Culture & How We Work at AV
Regardless of title, this is what great looks like at AV.

• Put team and stakeholders first. We win together and measure success by the value we create for our investors, founders, and each other.
• Take extreme ownership and bias toward action. We act like owners, move with urgency, and follow through.
• Debate rigorously and commit fully. We welcome diverse views, use data and sound judgment, and once aligned, execute as one team.
• Focus on what matters most. We prioritize impact, simplify where possible, and channel energy where we have a real advantage.
• Be AI-forward and tech-optimistic. We actively use AI and emerging technologies to work smarter, make better decisions, and amplify human judgment — not replace it.
• Stay curious and think big. We are continuous learners, aim high and build for long-term impact.

Benefits & Perks
We offer a flexible, employee-first benefits program designed to support your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work. Benefits begin shortly after hire and are designed to give you choice and flexibility based on your needs.

• Comprehensive health coverage with multiple plan options, including employer-funded deductible support and HSA contributions
• Dental and vision plans with multiple coverage tiers
• Tax-advantaged accounts including HSA, FSA, and commuter benefits (with monthly employer contribution)
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
• Company-paid life and disability insurance, plus optional supplemental coverage
• Additional support programs including EAP, health advocacy, and wellness resources
• Flexible, unlimited PTO and generous paid parental leave
• 11 company holidays

Compensation

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $175,000–$185,000. This range represents the base salary Alumni Ventures reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. Individual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and other job-related factors. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may receive equity, carry potential, a corporate bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and programs.