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

Location: Currently Kentucky-based or willing to relocate to Kentucky before start date.

Reports to: Kelby Price, Managing Partner, 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 over 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 invested over $80 million into 280+ startups and actively manage a portfolio of over 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 Microfund Manager at Keyhorse Capital is responsible for full-scale pipeline management of early-stage investment programs. This role does not make investment decisions but is deeply involved in the end-to-end process of sourcing, reviewing, and advancing deals through the pipeline. The Microfund Manager acts as the primary point of contact for the founders, program partners (entrepreneurial support organizations, universities, and investment initiatives) and co-investors, ensuring smooth communication, accurate documentation, and seamless program execution. This is an ideal opportunity for an organized, venture-curious professional eager to gain hands-on experience in early-stage investing.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management

• Manage a pipeline of early-stage investment opportunities, including intake, review, and advancement of all submissions.
• Review and assess all applications for completeness and fit, ensuring alignment with program criteria.
• Lead the process for early-stage investment programs, maintaining a thorough understanding of Keyhorse’s investment process and Kentucky-based documentation requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with program partners, facilitating clear communication and documentation exchange.
• Coordinate with internal teams and leadership to ensure the timely progression of opportunities through the pipeline.

Program Coordination

• Develop program materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain accurate documentation of programmatic workflows and processes.
• Maintain accurate records and program documentation.
• Track program metrics to support the firm’s reporting requirements.
• Monitor programmatic investment budgets.
• Monitor deal flow through early-stage investment programs to ensure smooth operations and timely progression of opportunities.
• Conduct quality control on program applications and submissions, ensuring completeness and accuracy.

Relationship Management

• Serve as the main convener for Keyhorse program partners and key stakeholders, maintaining regular communication and acting as a key liaison for program execution.
• Manage partner timelines, cohort schedules, funding milestones, and program budgets, to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned.
• Coordinate internal and external communication, logistics, and reporting related to program activities.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration across KSTC programs and initiatives—ensuring alignment, information flow, and shared impact across innovation, research, education, and investment efforts.
• Support ongoing program development, including expansion of current partnerships and exploration of new ones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1–3 years of experience in program coordination, program management, operations, or early-stage investing preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Interest in venture capital, early-stage startups, and investment processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with workflow, CRM, or investment management tools is preferred.

Ideal Candidate

• Organized, proactive, and eager to learn about venture capital and early-stage investing.
• Comfortable managing deal pipelines and coordinating across multiple programs.
• Skilled at building relationships and communicating with founders, partners, and internal teams.
• Ability to interpret and manage investment documentation and program requirements.
• Excels in dynamic, entrepreneurial environments and is motivated by supporting innovation in Kentucky’s startup ecosystem.

What We Offer

• Exposure to Kentucky’s entrepreneurial and startup landscape. 
• 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.
• Unique exposure to the people and programs shaping Kentucky’s innovation infrastructure—across Keyhorse and the broader KSTC platform—with opportunities to contribute, connect, and grow.
• Salary range: $55-65K/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.