Clay Capital – Senior Associate – Startup Investments Clay Capital

The Corporate Institute; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Clay Capital is seeking a Senior Associate – Startup Investments to identify and evaluate high-potential startups in India’s tech ecosystem. You will work with senior investment professionals to drive market research, due diligence, and fundraising for qualified startups.

Based in Bengaluru with a hybrid setup across Bangalore and Hyderabad, you will build financial models, prepare memos, and present investment theses to VCs and family offices, shaping growth at early stages.

Qualifications

• Sourcing and evaluating early-stage startup investment opportunities.
• Strong financial modelling and corporate finance understanding.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for memos and pitches.
• Proven relationship-building with founders, investors and teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify and source startup investment opportunities through networks and events.
• Manage bridge and growth funding programs for early-stage startups.
• Conduct market research and competitive analyses.
• Evaluate business plans, models and pitch decks.
• Lead due diligence, including financial modeling and legal review.
• Prepare investment memos and presentations for VCs and family offices.
• Support deal terms negotiation and closing transactions.
• Maintain network of founders and investors to track market trends.

Skills

Sourcing startup opportunities

Financial modelling

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Due diligence

Investment memos

Negotiation

Education

Top-tier institute degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Company Overview:

Clay Capital is a specialized investment firm focused on identifying and scaling high-growth startups across emerging technology sectors. We operate at the intersection of venture capital investments and strategic growth, sourcing both capital and operational expertise to early-stage ventures.

The Fundingkart by Clay Capital is India’s widest Debt and Equity Marketplace with diverse Equity Funding Programs for Early to Growth Startups.

Role Overview:

As Senior Associate – Startup Investments, you will be a critical member of our investment team, responsible for identifying and evaluating promising startup opportunities in the ecosystem. You will work closely with senior investment professionals to conduct market research, analyze business plans, and perform due diligence to secure Fundraising for qualified Startups.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively identify and source potential Startup Investment opportunities by networking within the startup ecosystem, attending industry events, and leveraging online platforms.
• Manage Bridge Funding and Growth Funding Programs for Early Stage and Growth Startups.
• Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to assess the viability and potential of target companies.
• Evaluate business plans, financial models, and pitch decks to identify key investment merits and risks.
• Lead the due diligence process, including financial modeling, legal review, and business assessment, to mitigate risks and validate investment hypotheses.
• Prepare investment memos and presentations to communicate with VCs and Family Offices for round commitments.
• Support the investment team in negotiating deal terms and closing transactions.
• Build and maintain a robust network of founders, Investors, and industry experts to stay ahead of market trends and deal flow.

Required Skillset:

• Demonstrated ability to source and evaluate early-stage Startup Investment opportunities.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills, with a solid understanding of corporate finance principles.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.
• Experience in conducting due diligence and preparing investment memos.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective engagement with startup founders, external stakeholders, and internal teams.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• A degree from a top-tier institute is preferred, combined with 2 – 4 years of relevant experience in Venture Capital or Investment Banking.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment across our Bangalore and Hyderabad offices, maintaining high standards of collaboration and output.

Remuneration:

• Probation: 3 – 6 months basis Performance.
• INR 12 LPA (Fixed 6.0L and Performance Bonus 6.0L).
• Permanent role: Performance revision in 1yr.
• INR 15 LPA (Fixed 7.0L and Performance Bonus 8.0L).