Job Title: Venture Capital Associate, 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.

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 KSTC and Kentucky are recognized as national leaders enabling high-performing innovation ecosystems, where Kentucky ranks in the top half of states for innovation-driven economic development, and KSTC is recognized among peers as setting the benchmark for others to follow. With this vision in mind, our mission is clear: We champion innovation in knowledge, talent, and investment to accelerate the state's economic growth and competitiveness, securing a better future for all Kentuckians.

About Keyhorse Capital: Keyhorse Capital, an initiative of KSTC, manages early-stage venture funds that support Kentucky-based startups with critical early capital and strategic resources. Over the past 20 years, we’ve invested over $90 million in 290+ companies and continue to back a dynamic portfolio of 170+ startups. We go beyond funding—partnering with founders, investors, and institutions to help companies scale. As we expand our platform, we’re focused on reducing friction in the investment process to make capital more accessible.

Role Overview

The Venture Capital Associate serves as a cornerstone of Keyhorse Capital's investment operations, combining deep analytical expertise with emerging leadership capabilities to drive deal execution, portfolio management, and organizational growth. This role requires an individual who can seamlessly transition from conducting rigorous financial analysis and due diligence to architecting scalable systems, managing junior team members, and representing Keyhorse with professionalism in the broader startup ecosystem. The Associate will take primary ownership of investment opportunities, serve as a board observer for portfolio companies, and design strategic special projects that enhance the firm's operational efficiency and market impact. Success in this position demands both technical proficiency in venture capital fundamentals and the strategic thinking necessary to build processes, delegate effectively, and contribute to Keyhorse's continued evolution as Kentucky's premier early-stage investment platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Deal Sourcing & Evaluation: Source and screen new investment opportunities, coordinate discovery meetings with entrepreneurs, and conduct in-depth research on financials, markets, business models, and competitors. Perform secondary research and direct outreach—including interviews with subject matter experts, references, customers, and industry stakeholders—to evaluate alignment with Keyhorse’s investment criteria.
• Pipeline & Data Management: Maintain accurate and timely data across sourcing, diligence, and portfolio systems. Track deals through the pipeline, flag bottlenecks, and identify process improvements and collaborate with the team to enhance overall efficiency and reporting quality.
• Deal Execution & Investment Memos: Lead the diligence process for investment opportunities. Build financial models, synthesize findings into professional investment memos, and present recommendations to the Investment Committee. Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure thorough, timely deal execution.
• Founder & Portfolio Engagement: Engage directly with founders during diligence and post-investment. Serve as a board observer where applicable, document key updates, and share insights with the team to inform portfolio management and follow-on investment decisions.
• Team & Systems Leadership: Design scalable systems and processes that enhance firm efficiency and deal execution. Manage and mentor interns, analysts, and contractors; identify high-potential talent for future hiring; and lead strategic projects that advance organizational priorities.
• External Relations & Representation: Represent Keyhorse with professionalism in the startup and investor community, embodying our culture of collaboration, technical rigor, and operational excellence. Participate in events and networks to expand firm visibility and partnerships.

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: $90K/year.
• Competitive benefits package including paid leave, health, dental, eye care, life insurance, and retirement benefits.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with screening for interviews beginning immediately.

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