Job Title: Venture Capital Analyst, Keyhorse Capital

Company: Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC), specifically the Keyhorse Capital initiative

Location: Kentucky. While remote or hybrid work arrangements are flexible, candidates must be based in Kentucky. We prefer candidates to be located in or near Louisville, Lexington, or Northern Kentucky.

Reports to: Kelby Price, Executive Director of Keyhorse Capital. Technical direction will be provided by Autumn Rice, Director of Operations, Keyhorse Capital

About KSTC: Since its founding in 1987, the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) has been a pioneering force in driving science, technology, and innovative economic development throughout Kentucky.

Vision and Mission: We envision a future where Kentucky is recognized as a national and international leader, ranks among the top half of states in innovation-driven economic development, and where KSTC is recognized among its peers as setting the benchmark for others to follow. With this vision in mind, our mission is clear: We cultivate knowledge, talent, and innovation to propel the state's growth and competitiveness on a national and global scale.

About Keyhorse Capital: Keyhorse Capital, an initiative of KSTC, manages early-stage venture capital funds dedicated to fostering a thriving community of Kentucky-based startups. For nearly two decades, we have invested in hundreds of companies, providing the critical early funding needed to help founders build impactful businesses. Leveraging our extensive network of investors, advisors, universities, and enterprise partners, we support portfolio companies beyond capital, helping them scale and succeed. To date, we have deployed over $80 million into 270+ founders and actively manage a portfolio of 150 companies.

Despite this progress, access to capital remains a challenge. We recognize that investors, including ourselves, must meet founders where they are and evolve alongside them. To address this, we are strengthening our platform and expanding our team to reduce friction in the investment process. By making funding more accessible and providing greater transparency into our approach, we aim to accelerate founders' journeys, enabling them to move faster and bring their visions to life.

Role Overview

The Venture Capital Analyst will manage deal flow and support investment decisions by utilizing subject matter experts and conducting thorough research and analysis on potential and existing portfolio companies. We are seeking an Analyst who is obsessed with data hygiene, lives for finding efficiencies, has strong financial acumen, and a deep curiosity about venture capital, technology, and startups.

Key Responsibilities

●      Screen New Opportunities: Review potential investments, coordinate, observe and participate in discovery meetings with entrepreneurs, summarize call notes and document interactions.

●      Assess Deal Opportunities: Conduct secondary research, gather information and input from partners, industry and subject matter experts, and research and speak with references, customers and potential competitors to target companies.

●      Practice Good Data Hygiene: Ensure all sourcing, due diligence, and similar data is logged in data systems to ensure a robust investment and reporting process.

●      Participate in Process Improvement: Collaborate with the team to implement changes that enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall deal flow management.

●      Conduct Comprehensive Research and Analysis: Evaluate market potential, business models, financials, competitive positioning, and alignment with Keyhorse’s investment criteria for investment opportunities.

●      Develop Diligence Materials: Create financial models for valuation, return analysis, and scenario planning.

●      Create Professional Investment Memos: Synthesize research findings into detailed memos outlining key risks, opportunities, and recommendations for investment decisions.

●      Present Investment Memos: Present these memos to the deal team for review and feedback.

●      Manage Deal Pipeline: Closely monitor each deal opportunity through the investment pipeline, tracking its stage and status. Proactively engage with team members and other stakeholders to ensure seamless progression of deals through the pipeline, providing timely nudges and updates to maintain momentum and efficiency. This involves identifying potential bottlenecks, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to advance deals towards successful outcomes.

●      Founder Interactions: Observe and participate in meetings with startup founders as part of the due diligence process.

●      Support Follow-On Investment Decisions: Conduct detailed research on portfolio companies preparing for subsequent funding rounds.

●      Engage in Networking: Network with peers in other firms and participate in networking events, conferences, and meetings to represent Keyhorse Capital and build relationships within startup + investor communities.

Qualifications

●      2+ years of experience in venture capital, business, finance, or a related field preferred, with a strong understanding of startup and venture capital terminology, best practices, and industry trends.

●      Strong analytical skills, with experience in financial modeling, market analysis, and/or data analysis.

●      Proficiency in email and calendar management tools, database/CRM systems, and Google Workspace with the ability to efficiently organize, track, and manage communications and workflows. Strong capability in leveraging AI-powered productivity tools and advanced prompting techniques to enhance research, content generation, and workflow automation.

●      Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

●      Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

●      Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a blend of analytical skills and venture capital knowledge. They would be able to:

●      Understand the nuances of early-stage companies and their growth challenges.

●      Translate complex data and market insights into actionable insights for the investment team.

●      Work effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

●      Collaborate with diverse teams to drive better decision-making.

What We Offer

●      Opportunity to influence investment decisions of an established venture firm.

●      Exposure to various aspects of venture capital investing and post-investment support for founders and startups.

●      Collaboration with a small team of experienced venture professionals.

●      Salary range: $70-90K/year.

●      Competitive benefits package including paid leave, health, dental, eye care, life insurance, and retirement benefits.

Application Process

Applications are now being accepted and processed as they are received, with screening for interviews beginning immediately.

KSTC is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.

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