Lead, Innovation Strategy Job in United States
500 Startups , United States

Our Mission

We uplift people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship.

Who We Are

We have backed more than 2,400 companies or 5,000+ entrepreneurs in 75+ countries. Notable investments in the 500 portfolio include Credit Karma, Twilio, Canva, Grab, Bukalapak, The RealReal, Talkdesk, Knotel, Udemy, and Ipsy. Most significantly, those companies have helped create thousands of jobs and delighted millions of customers all over the world. Because of our global network and expertise, we are in a unique position to build startups ecosystems worldwide.

What We Need

We are looking for an amazing individual to join our Ecosystem team as a Lead for Innovation Strategy. In this role, you will support the structuring and launch of new projects within the 500 Startups Ecosystem team. You will report to the Head of Global Innovation Strategy. This position will be remote.

Who You Are

You are passionate about harnessing venture capital to create value for founders, corporate innovation, and economic development. You have experience in the investments and technology sectors, preferably in the early stage world. You like to and have experience taking things from zero to one. You are analytical, customer-driven and a good communicator. You are a highly organized self-starter, an experienced project manager able to work independently and juggle multiple priorities. You learn and adapt quickly. You are able to understand complex, high-level visions, gather data and feedback from multiple stakeholders, conceptualize plans to execute on, and work with multiple stakeholders to get things done. But above all, you are a team player that will contribute to our fast-paced, open and fun work culture.

Ultimately, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of new projects at 500 Startups, supporting multiple teams and gaining relevant experience in investments, innovation, economic development, education, and the startup world in general. And you will have fun!

What You Will Be Doing:

You will play a foundational role in kick-starting new initiatives at 500 Startups. Responsibilities include

• Gather market research and expert opinions, analyze it and create business cases to launch new businesses such as funds, education and new product and services etc
• Gather market research that will support the refining of new products go-to-market strategy
• Help prepare decks and documents for internal purposes (internal assessments) as well as external purposes (research material, client proposals and workshops)
• Actively manage and report on the new products pipeline
• Manage the workflow between different internal teams ensuring smooth and efficient collaboration

Please keep in mind this list is not all inclusive and you may be asked to perform other job functions not otherwise listed.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in venture capital, investment banking, or management consulting
  
• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business, or a related field
• Analytical thinker and clear communicator (oral and written) in English
• Proficient in creating presentations (powerpoint), data analysis and financial models (excel)
• Experience driving end-to-end projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience in creating decks and research material
• Able to clearly analyze and articulate key strategic considerations
• Proactive, self-starter who can work independently within set objectives
• Experience working and multi-tasking in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Highly independent, organized, resourceful and results-driven
• Ability to learn quickly and perform in a rapidly-evolving, fast-paced environment
• Can systematically prioritize among different priorities
• Can maintain high-quality work product while operating under tight timelines

Nice to have

• Experience in a startup environment
  
• Experience living and/or working internationally
• Ability to speak widely-used business languages other than English

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO, plus Holidays
• Eligibility to participate in Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans (US Employees only)
• Eligibility to participate in the 401(k) Plan (US Employees only)
• The opportunity to work with phenomenal people around the world!

500 Startups is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and to providing employees with a safe and welcoming work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Employment decisions at 500 Startups are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, family or parental status, disability*, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. 500 Startups encourages applicants from all backgrounds.

*Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.