Venture Associate, LKYGBPC Accelerator (2-year contract), IIE

Singapore Management University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic professional to lead innovative acceleration programs for startups. This role involves executing tailored workshops, mentorship sessions, and investor pitches while engaging with a diverse ecosystem of industry leaders and research institutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in STEM or business, a passion for deep tech, and the ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin and English. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to nurturing high-potential startups and making a tangible impact in the entrepreneurial landscape of Asia.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in STEM or business with a passion for deep tech.
• 3-7 years of experience in investment analysis or incubation.

Responsibilities

• Execute acceleration programs and provide guidance to startups.
• Establish partnerships with industry leaders and manage program logistics.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Communication Skills

Detail-oriented

Problem Solving

Fluency in Mandarin

Organizational Skills

Education

PhD in STEM or Business

MBA

Job description

Named after Singapore's founding prime minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the LKYGBPC is a global competition that identifies promising young scientific entrepreneurs from universities to solve the world's biggest problems. The newly launched LKYGBPC Accelerator will further support this mission by anchoring high-potential startups in Singapore.

This position is for Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE).

Program Delivery

• Execute tailored acceleration programs, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and investor pitch events.
• Provide hands-on guidance to startups on technical validation, market fit, and fundraising strategies.

Startup Scouting and Ecosystem Insights

• Work with the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) to actively source and recruit promising startups from Asia.
• Oversee the selection process of startups, ensuring a diverse and high-potential cohort.
• Conduct in-depth research on emerging technologies, funding trends, and ecosystem developments in Asia.

Ecosystem Engagement

• Establish partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, corporates, and VCs in key Asian markets.
• Serve as a liaison between startups and key stakeholders to drive collaborations and growth opportunities.

Mentors Engagement Programme

• Nurture and sustain an effective deep-tech mentor engagement programme, ensuring a continuous pool of pro-bono industry expertise, creating impact for startup growth and success.

Operational Support and Monitoring

• Manage program logistics, evaluate startups for admission, and track progress against KPIs.
• Use data-driven approaches to continuously refine program offerings and enhance outcomes.
• Oversee the development of marketing strategies to elevate the accelerator's profile and awareness within the global ecosystem, including Asia.
• Undertake budget and financial management of the accelerator.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in STEM, business, or related disciplines (PhD and/or MBA preferred) with extremely strong passion for deep tech and a desire to make a tangible impact.
• 3-7 years of experience in a related field (investment analysis, incubation, etc.). Recent PhD and/or MBA graduates are welcome to apply.
• Strong understanding of IP management, regulatory landscapes, emerging technology trends and commercialisation pathways in Asia. Experience in venture building or a deep tech startup environment is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of deep tech sectors, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge in unfamiliar areas.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English to effectively communicate with Mandarin-speaking clients (written and spoken).
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Detail-oriented and team-oriented with a strong desire to be successful.
• Comfortable with minimal amount of direction, thrive in high pressure and high expectation situations.
• A keen sense of ownership and accountability and act with a sense of urgency to meet tight deadlines.
• Humble, authentic, value hard work, creative problem solver and outcome driven.
• Designation and salary will commensurate with experience.

Other Information

Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.