Principal - Venture Capital (PhD)

Smart HR Consultants; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 4,500,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart HR Consultants seeks a senior investment leader to drive opportunities from origination through due diligence and deal execution. This role requires strong financial and commercial acumen, independent judgment, and relationship-building in a dynamic investment environment.

The successful candidate will bring 10+ years in VC/PE/Growth equity, a top-tier MBA and technology degree, and a track record of originating and executing investments in the Indian startup ecosystem.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in VC/PE/Growth equity fund.
• Strong founder/intermediary network.
• Experience across multiple investment stages.
• Strong knowledge of Indian startup ecosystem.
• Long-term, partnership-oriented approach with founders.
• Academic credentials: technology degree and MBA; PhD ideal.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with drive to create impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead investment process from sourcing to deal execution including due diligence and terms negotiation.
• Assess opportunities by analyzing market trends, competition, and growth potential.
• Support portfolio companies with strategic guidance in business development, operations and fundraising.
• Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
• Mentor and oversee investment team to drive performance.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify value creation and risk mitigation.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory developments affecting investments.

Skills

Investment due diligence

Financial analysis

Deal negotiation

Relationship building

Leadership

Education

MBA from a top-tier institute

Technology graduate

PhD (ideal)

Job description

In this role, you will lead investment opportunities from origination through evaluation, due diligence and. transaction execution. This position requires a combination of strong financial and commercial acumen, sound investment judgment, relationship-building capabilities, and the ability to operate independently in a dynamic investment environment.

• Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience in an established Venture Capital, Private Equity, or Growth Equity fund

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the investment process from sourcing opportunities to executing deals, including conducting due diligence, financial analysis, and negotiation of terms
• Evaluate investment opportunities, analyzing market trends, competitive landscape, and growth potential
• Collaborate with portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and support in areas such as business development, operations, and fundraising
• Build and maintain strong relationships with entrepreneurs, founders, and other stakeholders in the startup ecosystem
• Manage a team of investment professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and oversight to drive performance
• Monitor and track performance of portfolio companies, identifying opportunities for value creation and risk mitigation
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory developments, and market dynamics to inform investment decisions

Must-Have Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience in an established Venture Capital, Private Equity, or Growth Equity fund
• Demonstrated ability to originate investment opportunities and build a strong founder and intermediary network
• Proven experience across multiple stages of investment evaluation and execution
• Strong exposure to the Indian startup and growth-company ecosystem
• Ability to balance financial discipline with a long-term, partnership-oriented approach to working with founders
• Academic Credentials: Technology graduate and MBA from a top-tier institute. A PhD would be ideal.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and creating impact in the startup ecosystem