Senior Associate, Direct Investments

Cintrifuse Overview:

Cintrifuse is dedicated to catalyzing Cincinnati’s entrepreneurial spirit, empowering high-growth founders, and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in the Midwest. Through our collaborative efforts across Cintrifuse, Cintrifuse Capital, and StartupCincy, we provide innovative solutions, strategic investments, and inclusive support to transform bold ideas into thriving businesses. Our experienced team, deep venture network, and strong partnerships with corporations drive sustainable growth, job creation, and innovation, making Cincinnati a premier destination for startups and investors alike.

At Cintrifuse Capital, we’re helping to drive big outcomes for the Cincinnati region through our direct investment strategy, the tailored support we provide our portfolio companies, and through our investments in venture funds around the country. We provide Cincinnati startups with unparalleled access to capital and talent, and drive venture dollars and innovation from around the country into our backyard.

Through its SEC-registered investment advisor, Cintrifuse Fund Management, LLC, (dba Cintrifuse Capital), Cintrifuse Capital has over $150 million of assets under management. In Funds I & II, we focused on investment in some of the country’s and region’s leading venture funds. Through Fund III, we are continuing to invest in top venture capital funds, but we also have expanded our focus to include direct investment into Cincinnati-area startups.

About the Role:

Excited to work with a team who is passionate about venture capital, innovation, and entrepreneurship? The Senior Associate will play a critical role in Cintrifuse Capital’s investment strategy and the Cincinnati startup ecosystem. The position’s main responsibilities will be identifying and evaluating high-potential startups, driving due diligence processes, and supporting portfolio companies post-investment, with a particular focus on potential investments that are more technical in nature. This individual will leverage their technical expertise and venture experience to make informed investment decisions and help grow Cincinnati’s innovation economy.

This role is considered an access person for Cintrifuse Capital. As an SEC registered investment adviser, all access persons of Cintrifuse Capital are required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and report on the firm’s code of ethics.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Investment Diligence & Execution

• Lead sourcing and diligence of Cincinnati-area technology startups with venture-scale growth potential.
• Analyze business models, financials, market opportunities, and competitive landscapes.
• Prepare and present detailed investment memos to the Cintrifuse Capital team.

2. Deal Flow & Ecosystem Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with founders, venture investors, and key subject matter experts.
• Proactively engage with the local startup ecosystem via events and other networking opportunities to drive deal flow.

3. Portfolio Company Support

• Serve as a strategic resource to portfolio companies, offering support on operational challenges and being a key thought partner around early-stage venture building and fundraising.
• Monitor portfolio performance and provide insights to the team.

4. Investor Relations

• Collaborate with the team to fulfill investor reporting and communications.
• Assist with portfolio updates and analyses for internal and external stakeholders.

5. Organizational Support

• Provide support across the team to ensure timely and efficient execution of organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with the entire organization to ideate on and deliver best-in-class programs that enhance Cincinnati’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Qualifications:

Required Experience:

• 4+ years of work experience in venture capital or a venture-backed technology startup
• Technical expertise, ideally a background in software development, product management, or a relevant technical domain.

Education:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering) or finance-related discipline.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong financial modeling and analysis skills.
• Proven ability to evaluate emerging technologies and business models.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication; ability to simplify complex concepts.
• High degree of initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
• Relationship-building expertise with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

What Will Set You Apart:

• Prior experience conducting end-to-end diligence and executing venture investments.
• Passion for supporting regional startup ecosystems and driving local innovation.
• Comfort networking and representing Cintrifuse in front of founders and partners.
• Curiosity for emerging technologies, especially in verticals like Supply Chain, Health Tech, and Fintech.

This is a full-time, Cincinnati-based position with a hybrid work schedule. Competitive salary commensurate with experience; benefits include full Health benefits, HSA/FSA, Wellness program, 401(k) match, Parental leave, and PTO in a collaborative, dog friendly, casual dress co-working space at Union Hall. You’ll also have access to all Cintrifuse and Union Hall events.

Cintrifuse is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We encourage applicants from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups who could bring diverse perspectives to our mission.