Deputy Director / Senior Assistant Director, Venture Creation & Growth

Job Description

The Innovation & Enterprise (I&E) Group drives the translation of A*STAR’s research into real-world impact. A key pathway is the creation of globally investible startups/spin-offs built on intellectual property developed by A*STAR researchers.

Within I&E, the Venture Creation & Growth team manages the full lifecycle of these spin-offs – from venture creation and growth acceleration to eventual exit – across sectors such as therapeutics, medtech, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, decarbonization, and AI.

We are seeking a highly driven and analytically rigorous Portfolio Manager to support the oversight and value creation of a portfolio of deep tech spin-offs. The role combines portfolio analytics, governance, venture support, and divestment execution.

The successful candidate will work closely with spin-off founders, internal stakeholders, and external investors to monitor performance, enhance value creation, and manage exit processes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting

• Track key performance metrics including funds raised and revenues across the spin-off portfolio
• Prepare consolidated internal reports for senior management
• Identify early risk signals and escalate material issues
• Maintain and continuously improve portfolio dashboards and data systems
• Support appointment and renewal of Corporate Representatives
• Attend to shareholder matters, including shareholder resolutions, shareholder agreements and deal structuring for equity deals.

2. Portfolio Valuation

• Lead the annual valuation exercise for the spin-off portfolio for financial statement reporting
• Apply appropriate valuation methodologies (VC method, comparables, DCF where relevant)
• Coordinate inputs from spin-offs and finance teams
• Ensure audit-ready documentation and governance compliance

3. Governance & Committee Secretariat

• Serve as Secretariat for the Portfolio Management Committee
• Prepare meeting materials and portfolio updates
• Track action items and ensure timely follow-up with stakeholders
• Appointment or renewal of suitable Board directors for portfolio companies

4. Value Creation & Venture Support

• Support selected spin-offs in fundraising preparation, go-to-market strategy development, and commercialisation planning
• Identify and appoint suitable mentors, advisors, or board observers where appropriate
• Connect spin-offs to investors and industry partners for funding and revenue opportunities

5. Divestment & Exit Management

• Identify and evaluate divestment opportunities (IPO, trade sale, secondary sale)
• Support transaction execution in collaboration with legal and finance teams
• Prepare internal approval papers and manage stakeholder communications

6. Portfolio Events & Stakeholder Engagement

• Organise the Annual Portfolio Conference
• Coordinate investor engagement sessions and portfolio showcases
  
  

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Science, or related field
• MBA, CFA, or relevant postgraduate qualification is advantageous

Experience (5–10 years preferred). Experience in one or more of the following:

• Venture capital or corporate venture capital portfolio management
• Technology transfer office (TTO) or university spin-off management
• Investment banking (M&A / ECM)
• Startup operations or fundraising
• Deep tech commercialisation

Experience working with early-stage, IP-heavy or deep tech companies is preferred.

Core Competencies: 
Analytical & Financial Skills

• Strong valuation capabilities and some working knowledge of financial modelling
• Ability to interpret startup financials and unit economics
• Comfortable analysing incomplete or imperfect data

Governance & Process Discipline

• Highly organised and detail-oriented
• Strong documentation and reporting capabilities
• Familiar with board processes and committee governance

Venture & Commercial Acumen

• Understanding of startup fundraising dynamics and investor expectations
• Ability to assess technology risk vs commercial readiness
• Exposure to IPO and M&A processes is a strong plus

Stakeholder Management

• Able to engage credibly with founders, researchers, investors, and senior executives
• Confident but diplomatic
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Personal Attributes:

• Structured thinker with strong execution discipline
• Commercially astute with an appreciation of institutional considerations
• Comfortable working across both technical and financial domains
• High integrity and discretion (handling sensitive valuation and exit discussions)
• Self-starter who can operate with moderate autonomy