Principal Investor

Hopelab is a transformative social innovation lab and impact investor working to support the mental well-being of adolescents ages 10-25, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ young people. Through funding, collaborations, and intergenerational partnerships, Hopelab works at the intersection of tech and mental health alongside entrepreneurs, funders, researchers, and young change-makers to create systems change and build a thriving future for underserved young people.

The Principal Investor will be a core member of the Hopelab Ventures team. As a social impact investor, Hopelab Ventures invests in companies that support the mental health and well-being of adolescents (ages 10-25), particularly BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. We back founders with lived experience related to the identities and mental health topics it supports, as we believe those founders are uniquely equipped to develop effective solutions. Hopelab Ventures’ investment approach combines early-stage capital with expertise in research, design, and payment models to support the development and adoption of more efficacious, more diverse, and more accessible mental health and well-being solutions for young people at scale.

The Principal Investor supports Hopelab’s mission by sourcing and evaluating new impact investment opportunities, performing due diligence and market research, and supporting existing portfolio companies. This role works closely with leaders at exciting health and well-being ventures and has direct exposure to the early stage venture capital ecosystem.

A successful Principal Investor does the following:

• • Drives sourcing of new investment opportunities, manages the investment pipeline, and evaluates new business ideas
  • Leads due diligence and deal execution efforts for potential investments (e.g., assesses business plans, conducts market scans and competitive analyses, builds financial models, prepares investment memos), makes recommendations to Head of Investments about which deals to move forward to Investment Committee
  • Builds market landscapes, evaluates industry trends and develops perspectives on emerging investment themes
  • Supports investees, facilitates portfolio engagement efforts and post-close performance management, and leads collection and analysis of impact and financial metrics across investment portfolio
  • Leverages personal skills and networks to assist portfolio companies wherever possible
  • Acts as primary point of contact for some organizations in the portfolio, engaging management team, board, and co-investors as needed
  • Represents Hopelab on portfolio company boards as an observer
  • Develops and maintains awareness of other funders and operators working in the field of teen/young adult mental wellbeing
  • Communicates and collaborates both internally and externally to advance Hopelab’s strategy and mission, and support on a variety of events and projects, as needed
  • Acts as a representative of Hopelab in external conversations and events, and builds and maintains relationships as appropriate, particularly with peer levels across key constituents
  • Elevates stories (process, outcome, partners, etc.) for potential external sharing. Collaborate with Strategic Comms on the development of the talking points and/or collateral

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

• • 8+ years of professional experience, including at least 2 years conducting company evaluation and financial analyses at an investment bank, management consulting firm, venture capital fund, private equity fund, or corporate investment function. We will also consider those with relevant experience as operators, i.e., founders or leaders of healthcare or technology companies
  • Advanced degree in a related field (e.g. business, health, or science) preferred, not required
  • Previous experience in digital health, mental health, or wellbeing sectors
  • Personal network of relevant stakeholders to Hopelab, including potential founders, co-investors, and/or customers for portfolio companies
  • Familiarity with venture capital funding structures (e.g., SAFEs, convertible notes, priced rounds)
  • Passion for social impact for underinvested populations
  • Strategic thinker with outstanding analytical skills
  • High-energy and independent self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and comfort with ambiguity
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Intellectual curiosity about and/or direct experience working in the mental health sector
  • Applicants must reside within and be currently authorized to work in the United States

Is this you? Please apply with a resume and a brief cover letter describing how you’re a match for this role. Applications are due by EOD Sunday Mar 3, 2024.

Note: To maintain an equitable hiring process, we do not offer informational conversations outside of the interview process. Please refrain from contacting Hopelab staff about this opportunity.

This role requires some in-person time to best support collaboration with our internal team and partnership development. The office and travel expectations are approximately as follows:

Domestic travel 5-6 times per year for partnerships, conferences, and portfolio company board meetings

Quarterly week-long retreats in SF Bay Area

Hopelab’s compensation is tied to local job market data, so will differ by location. Here are some sample salaries for this role, commensurate with training and experience:

SF Bay Area/NYC: Starting salary ($178,526 to $200,842). Full salary range ($178,526 to $223,158).

Los Angeles: Starting salary ($169,600 to $190,800). Full salary range ($169,600 to $212,000).

Seattle/DC: Starting salary ($160,674 to $180,758). Full salary range ($160,674 to $200,842).

Denver/Chicago: Starting salary ($151,747 to $170,716). Full salary range ($151,747 to $189,684).

Miami/Portland Oregon: Starting salary ($142,821 to $160,674). Full salary range ($142,821 to $178,526).

Hopelab provides a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision; phone and internet stipends; wellness programs, including 8 therapy and 8 coaching sessions a year for you and dependents; paid time off; 401K contributions exceeding industry standards; all this, plus the opportunity to work with amazing colleagues to create a more equitable world for young people.

Hopelab is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply. Hopelab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, ancestry, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment offers will be contingent on a background check that is limited in scope and compliant with best practices for Fair Chance Hiring. All inquiries are held in strict confidence.