MENA Manager (Sr. VC Associaite)

LvlUp Ventures; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct exposure to senior leadership

Global investment platform

Meaningful responsibility

Entrepreneurial environment

Career progression

Competitive compensation

Job summary

LvlUp Ventures in Dubai seeks a Senior Associate – MENA Manager to lead the growth of the MENA Investment Hub. You will source and evaluate startups across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and broader MENA, while building institutional relationships and managing regional initiatives.

This role combines venture investing with regional strategy, portfolio oversight, and ecosystem partnerships, reporting to the General Partners and collaborating with global leadership to expand LvlUp's presence in the

Qualifications

• 3-6+ years in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, corporate development, or a related field.
• Strong financial analysis, market research, valuation, and investment due diligence.
• Experience working with startups, investors, or high-growth businesses.
• Familiarity with the MENA venture capital ecosystem, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional fluency in English; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Based in Dubai or willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing and evaluating high-potential startups across MENA.
• Conduct investment analysis, commercial due diligence, market research, competitive assessments, and financial evaluations.
• Prepare investment memoranda, company assessments, and recommendations for investment committees.
• Build and manage a regional pipeline of investment opportunities and founder relationships.
• Manage day-to-day operations and strategic development of the MENA Investment Hub.
• Execute regional growth initiatives with GPs and global leadership.
• Develop partnerships with universities, accelerators, government entities, and ecosystem players.
• Represent LvlUp at industry events and investor gatherings.

Skills

Financial analysis

Market research

Valuation

Due diligence

Relationship management

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Entrepreneurial mindset

English fluency

Arabic advantage

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics/Business

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

LvlUp Ventures | Dubai, UAE | Full-Time - Contractor

About LvlUp Ventures

LvlUp Ventures is one of the world's most active venture capital firms, investing in and accelerating high-growth companies across industries and stages, from pre-seed through growth.

Ranked among the top 10 most active venture capital firms globally by PitchBook and the top three most active VC investors in the United States by LSEG, LvlUp operates a global investment platform spanning North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

With more than 1,300 companies across its portfolio and programs and over 25,000 startup applications reviewed annually, LvlUp combines venture investing with hands-on operational support, strategic partnerships, and an extensive international ecosystem of investors, corporations, and founders.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Associate – MENA Manager to help lead the growth and operations of LvlUp Ventures' Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Investment Hub, headquartered in Dubai.

This is a highly entrepreneurial, investment-focused position combining venture capital investing, regional strategy, business development, and operational leadership.

Working directly with LvlUp's General Partners and global leadership team, the Senior Associate will be responsible for sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, developing institutional relationships, managing regional initiatives, and expanding LvlUp's presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the broader MENA region.

The ideal candidate combines strong investment judgment and analytical capabilities with an entrepreneurial mindset, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to execute independently in a fast-paced international investment environment.

Key Responsibilities

Venture Capital & Investment Activities

• Source and evaluate high-potential startups across MENA, spanning early-stage through growth-stage opportunities.
• Conduct investment analysis, commercial due diligence, market research, competitive assessments, and financial evaluations.
• Prepare investment memoranda, company assessments, and recommendations for the firm's investment committees.
• Build and manage a strong regional pipeline of investment opportunities and relationships with founders.
• Support investment execution, portfolio monitoring, and strategic initiatives across regional portfolio companies.
• Coordinate with LvlUp's international investment teams to identify cross-border investment and co-investment opportunities.

Regional Strategy & Operations

• Manage the day-to-day operations and strategic development of LvlUp's MENA Investment Hub.
• Execute regional growth initiatives in coordination with the firm's General Partners and global leadership.
• Help establish and expand the firm's presence in key MENA markets, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
• Oversee regional performance, operational processes, strategic projects, and reporting.
• Identify opportunities to launch new investment programs, accelerator initiatives, and ecosystem partnerships.

Investor Relations & Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and maintain relationships with venture capital firms, family offices, institutional investors, sovereign investment organizations, and corporate innovation teams.
• Expand LvlUp's regional investment and co-investment network through its global Innovation Alliance.
• Establish partnerships with universities, accelerators, government entities, and startup ecosystem organizations.
• Identify and execute commercial partnerships, sponsorships, and other strategic opportunities supporting the regional platform.

Ecosystem Development & Programs

• Support the execution and expansion of LvlUp's investment programs, founder initiatives, accelerators, and regional events.
• Represent LvlUp at industry conferences, investor gatherings, startup competitions, and ecosystem events.
• Build relationships with regional founders, venture investors, entrepreneurs, and innovation stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with global teams to connect MENA companies with international investment, distribution, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3-6+ years of professional experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, corporate development, management consulting, or a related field.
• Strong financial analysis, market research, valuation, and investment due diligence capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience working with startups, investors, or high-growth businesses.
• Familiarity with the MENA venture capital ecosystem, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities.
• Entrepreneurial, commercially minded, and comfortable operating in a rapidly growing global organization.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred but not required.
• Professional fluency in English required; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Based in Dubai or willing to relocate.

What We Offer

• Direct exposure to senior leadership: Work closely with LvlUp's General Partners on investment decisions, regional strategy, and institutional relationships.
• Global investment platform: Access a worldwide network of portfolio companies, investment partners, and corporate relationships.
• Meaningful responsibility: Take ownership of investment opportunities, strategic initiatives, and regional operations.
• Entrepreneurial environment: Help shape and expand a rapidly growing regional investment platform.
• Career progression: Opportunities for advancement within LvlUp's global investment and leadership teams.
• Competitive compensation: A package reflecting experience, responsibilities, and performance.

LvlUp Ventures is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, globally connected team.