Investment Partner
Delta40 Studio
About the Delta40 Venture Studio
Delta40 is a Venture Studio headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Our mission is to increase incomes and tackle climate change in Africa by building and investing in inclusive climate innovations. More specifically, we focus on technology-driven energy, agriculture, and mobility ventures led by experienced, diverse Founders. We ideate, launch, and scale new ventures from idea to exit. In addition to capital, we provide hands-on support, shared services, and a community of experienced leaders to increase the speed, scale, returns and reach of these innovations. Over the next 10 years, we aim to build a portfolio of ventures that impacts 120M+ lives, reduces 100M tonnes of carbon, creates 250,000+ jobs, and catalyses $1B of follow-on investment into these key sectors in Africa. We also aspire to build a scalable venture studio model that can be used to increase the speed and scale of venture building in other sectors and geographies in emerging markets.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Delta40 Venture Studio is seeking an Investment Director to play a leadership role in our global investment team. We are looking for candidates with a unique combination of early-stage investment experience and entrepreneurial experience in energy, agriculture, or other technology sectors - although candidates of all backgrounds who can create impact in this role are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of our investment sectors and markets, technology fluency, and experience managing a team.
This position will report to the Managing Partner and support Delta40’s overall investment strategy and process, while leading regional pipeline generation, deal sourcing, portfolio development and investment team growth. The Investment Director will also provide Board support and other post investment support to multiple portfolio companies, providing active and frequent guidance in relation to product-market-fit, go to market strategy, technology de-risking, team buildout, and growth plans.
Key Responsibilities
As the Delta40 Venture Studio is new, this role may change as the needs of the organisation change. To begin, this role will have the following responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and management to the investment team, including hiring, onboarding, and the development of associates, and analysts.
- Lead deal sourcing, work up of investment opportunities, and present deals to Delta40’s Investment Committee.
- Demonstrated experience in raising a $10M+ fund, showcasing the ability to secure significant investment capital
- Provide thought leadership and mentorship to the investment team around investment strategy and approach.
- Manage portfolio companies by serving as a Board Director on behalf of Delta40, advancing strategic planning for company growth, engaging in business model and operational design, building and maintaining deep understanding of portfolio company technologies, assisting with company fundraising efforts, identifying and combating technology risks, and advising in early product development.
- Develop an actionable network of entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, and sector leaders to advance Delta40’s work across its portfolio and geographies.
- Represent Delta40 in key industry fora, with our most important partners, and with current and prospective funders and investment partners.
- Lead Fundraising and Due Diligence: Drive the fundraising and due diligence process for Delta40's future investment vehicle, ensuring comprehensive analysis and successful capital acquisition
Required Experience
- 5+ years of experience building, developing & managing teams
- 15+ years of early-stage investment experience either within venture capital or fundraising as an entrepreneur.
- Technical literacy in the variety of energy, agriculture, water, mobility, and other technology ventures in which we invest.
- A desire to engage directly with underserved, low-income communities, to develop a first-hand understanding of the problems we aim to solve and the people we aim to serve.
- Ability to lead Delta40 investment activities in Africa and represent the firm at conferences, speaking events, and with prospective partners and investees.
- Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including the global Delta40 team and Board of Directors, portfolio company executives, external partners, and other collaborators.
- Comfort switching between working autonomously and in groups depending on the task. Positive, encouraging, collaborative attitude.
- Strong interest in and alignment with Delta40’s mission to build high impact ventures that scale across the continent.
- Ability to prioritise and complete multiple tasks efficiently, without sacrificing work quality.
- Effective communication/presentation skills; ability to speak to a variety of audiences.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (English).