Remote AgTech Innovations Lead

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 2,001,000 - 3,001,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + bonuses + potential-equy

Fully remote with flexible hours

Growth and exposure to cutting-edge科技

Networking with leading entrepreneurs

Access to industry reports and events

Impact on agricultural tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote AgTech Innovations Lead for a venture-capital-backed focus on disruptive agricultural technologies. The role centers on identifying, evaluating, and fostering breakthrough agri-tech and forestry innovations while managing a global deal flow from a remote setting.

The ideal candidate has an advanced degree and at least seven years in VC, tech innovation, or related fields, with a strong network in AgTech and proven due diligence, financial acumen, and strategic

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Business or Biotechnology.
• Minimum 7 years in VC, technology innovation, corporate R&D, or a related field within the AgTech sector.
• Demonstrated understanding of agricultural and forestry systems, challenges, and opportunities.
• Proven experience in evaluating new technologies and business models.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with investment analysis and due diligence processes.
• Exceptional networking skills and a robust professional network within the AgTech community.
• Outstanding analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts effectively in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify and scout startups, technologies, and research initiatives in agriculture and forestry globally.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential investment opportunities, assessing technical viability, market potential, and team strength.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies to accelerate growth and innovation.
• Analyze industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes within AgTech.
• Develop and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, researchers, industry experts, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare investment memos and present findings and recommendations to the investment committee.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop strategies for nurturing innovation within the portfolio.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among portfolio companies.
• Represent the firm at industry conferences, demo days, and other relevant events virtually.
• Stay ahead of the curve on advancements in areas such as AI in agriculture, biotechnology, sustainable farming, and precision forestry.

Skills

Venture capital

AgTech

Due diligence

Financial analysis

Networking

Remote comms

Strategic thinking

Independent work

Education

MBA

MSc

PhD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a venture capital firm focused on disruptive agricultural technologies, is seeking a dynamic and visionary Remote AgTech Innovations Lead. This critical role involves identifying, evaluating, and fostering the development of groundbreaking technologies within the agriculture and forestry sectors. As a fully remote position, the ideal candidate will possess a strong network within the AgTech ecosystem, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to assess market potential and technical feasibility. You will be instrumental in scouting for innovative startups and technologies, providing strategic guidance, and facilitating investment opportunities. This role demands a blend of technical understanding, market insight, and entrepreneurial spirit, all managed from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and scout promising startups, technologies, and research initiatives in the agriculture and forestry sectors globally.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential investment opportunities, assessing technical viability, market potential, and team strength.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies to accelerate their growth and innovation.
• Analyze industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes within AgTech.
• Develop and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, researchers, industry experts, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare investment memos and present findings and recommendations to the investment committee.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop strategies for nurturing innovation within the portfolio.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among portfolio companies.
• Represent the firm at industry conferences, demo days, and other relevant events virtually.
• Stay ahead of the curve on advancements in areas such as AI in agriculture, biotechnology, sustainable farming, and precision forestry.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or PhD) in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Engineering, Business, or Biotechnology.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in venture capital, technology innovation, corporate R&D, or a related field within the AgTech sector.
• Demonstrated understanding of agricultural and forestry systems, challenges, and opportunities.
• Proven experience in evaluating new technologies and business models.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with investment analysis and due diligence processes.
• Exceptional networking skills and a robust professional network within the AgTech community.
• Outstanding analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts effectively in a remote environment.
• Self-motivated with a proven ability to work independently and manage a global pipeline of opportunities.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and innovation.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and potential equity participation in successful ventures.
• As a fully remote position, it provides ultimate flexibility in work location and hours.
• Opportunities for significant professional growth and exposure to cutting-edge technologies are abundant.
• Networking with leading entrepreneurs and investors in the AgTech space is a key aspect of the role.
• The firm supports continuous learning through access to industry reports, conferences, and expert networks.
• This role allows for substantial impact and influence in shaping the future of agricultural technology.
• Comprehensive virtual support for professional development is provided.