Ventures Associate Sustainability - Fashion

Plug and Play is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world’s largest corporations. We are on a mission to bring the benefits of Silicon Valley to all four corners of the world. Our vision is to make innovation open to anyone, anywhere.

Ventures Associates are responsible for sourcing relevant startups, interacting with corporate innovation teams, and conducting market research. Occasionally, they will be supporting deal teams on seed-stage startup investments.

Essential Job Functions (not limited to): Sourcing New Startups

• Source startups in the circular economy, carbon neutrality, sustainable têxtiles, fashion tech
• Attend calls or meetings with relevant companies
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local VCs, universities, corporations, etc.
• Actively network with startup founders at industry events and conferences

Ventures’ Corporate Account Management

• Schedule and facilitate deal flow meetings between startups and corporate partners
• Curate startup lists for corporate partners based on their technology interests
• Maintain relationships with industry partners
• Provide thoughts and insights about market trends
• Perform additional operational work for Plug and Play Ventures as needed

Diligence/Market Research

• Run thorough due diligence on sustainability startups
• Coordinate with startups to collect necessary sustainability and business information
• Analyze the sustainability impact of new technologies
• Conduct high-level research; analyze market, examine industry trends, track competitive landscape, interact with financial models, etc.

Technical & Job level skills required :

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science, or related fields in Climate or Energy is required
• Advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically, analytically and creatively
• Highly organized, shown to meet tight deadlines along with consistent accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience with Life Cycle Analysis of fashion têxtiles is a plus, but not required
• Proficiency in Google Docs, MS Office, CRMs, project management tools, etc
• Advanced or Fluent English speaking and writing skills is a must

Soft Skills :

• Self-motivated and driven; proven to work independently, prioritize work, and achieve results
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with C-Suite executives
• Collaborative, diplomatic, and can cross-functionally partner with stakeholders across multiple offices
• Experience in/comfort with a role with a degree of ambiguity, requiring proactive analysis and action
• Strong desire to learn continually and grow professionally, driven to master the products they're supporting/offering