ASSOCIATE, VENTURE CAPITAL - BLACK ENTREPRENEURS FUND
BDC
We are banking at another level.
Choosing BDC as your employer means working in a healthy, inclusive, and skilled workplace that puts forward the best conditions to bring together unique teams where employees are empowered to act. It also means being at the centre of ambitious economic and financial projects to see further and to do things differently, to fuel the success of Canadian entrepreneurs.
Choosing BDC as your employer also means:
Flexible and competitive benefits, including an Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, a $750 wellness and health care spending account, to name a few
In addition to paid vacation each year, five personal days, sick days as necessary, and our offices are closed from December 25 to January 1
A hybrid work model that truly balances work and personal life
Opportunities for learning, training and development, and much more...
POSITION OVERVIEW
BDC’s Black Entrepreneurs Fund (BEF) is the largest of its kind globally, investing in Canada’s leading black entrepreneurs to drive transformative impact. The $100M fund was announced in 2024 with a focused objective of creating sustainable businesses within the black community.
The mission of the BEF is to provide black entrepreneurs with the capital, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed. By fostering opportunities for financial growth and business development, the BEF aims to reduce economic disparities and promote equity within the business landscape. The fund supports innovative ventures that have the potential to generate significant economic and social benefits, thereby contributing to the overall prosperity of the black community in Canada.
Reporting to the managing partner of the Black Entrepreneurs Fund and working collaboratively with partners, associates, and analysts, the Senior Associate is an integral member of the BDC Capital team and is involved in all aspects of the investment and portfolio management process. They will participate in the review of investment opportunities and assist in managing an existing legacy portfolio and new investments for all of the funds we manage.
CHALLENGES TO BE MET
Platform Building
Assist in managing the deal pipeline, quarterly/bi-annual reports, and providing financial analysis
Supervise and mentor analysts, reviewing their work quality and ensuring alignment with BDC standards
Support other team members as appropriate during the development stage of an investment
Support ecosystem building within the black community
Ensure that the investment research files, business plans and other collected information are maintained in conformity with BDC’s policies and procedures
Ensure that new and existing investments files are properly documented by monitoring investments, amendments, and disbursements, including financial analysis and forecasting
Deal Sourcing
Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners, relaying any relevant information upwards
Maintain involvement in associations within the investment community, and keep abreast of significant developments, activities, and initiatives in the industry
Stay on top of the current portfolio, identifying companies that are likely to raise funds for new and follow-on investments, and relaying information upwards
Perform market research and scouting to inform the fund’s investment strategy, identifying emerging markets, verticals, technologies, or companies
Conduct initial business plan reviews, support initial communications with entrepreneurs and referring sources, prepare initial interview memoranda and recommendations to pursue or decline deals
Deal Making
Lead a workstream of due diligence on companies’ market, competition, management, sales, products, cap table, and anything that is relevant to determining potential business value and exit strategies
Determine and validate performance metrics, creating valuation models, forecasts and financial pro formas
Lead Investment Memo creation with full sections across all key areas
Present Findings to Investment Committee and support Partners during detailed presentations
Analyze technical documentation and/or work with technical consultants to evaluate technologies, products, and services
Conduct management reference calls independently with competitors, clients, industry experts, and prospect company’s current or past employees
Develop and maintain appropriate information resources and subject-matter expertise in various industries, markets, and business trends
Portfolio Management & Support
Monitor portfolio performance, comparing performance to forecasts and models, and relaying potential opportunities and issues to management
Participate occasionally in investee board meetings as an observer, keeping abreast of developments and escalating relevant information to Partners
Assist investees with introductions to potential suppliers, investors, and employees
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Typical Background
-
4 to 6 years of experience in a role involving structured thinking, financial analysis, and technical expertise. These profiles are likely to come from, but are not limited to:
Finance roles: venture capital, private equity, investment banking, accounting firms
Operator roles: technology startup, industry-leading corporation, industry specialist
Advisory roles: consulting, law, corporate strategy, corporate development
Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Economics, Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM). Other degrees are viable, if the professional has strong analytical skills
-
A post-graduate degree or equivalent certification, completed or in course, is valuable. Typical post-graduate credentials are likely to be, but are not limited to:
Master’s degree in business administration (MBA)
Other STEM Master’s or PhD degree
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Technical Knowledge
Strong skills in Excel, particularly in building complex financial models, multi-scenario financial models that include sensitivity analysis and scenario modeling, as well as performing data analysis. Any other analytic tools and techniques are an asset
Good ability to problem-solve using structured thinking and communication techniques
Good ability to use other MS suite applications efficiently, mainly Word and PowerPoint
Proficiency with using AI tools
Ability to intervene pertinently in the context of a presentation to executive audiences
Ability to write an Investment Memo that is clear, concise, and eloquent
Any technology skills with wide application, such as coding, chemistry, electronics are an asset
Operational knowledge of any technical industry is an asset
Bilingualism in French and English is an asset
Behavioral Traits
Supportive, helpful attitude – willingness to proactively identify gaps and jump in to fill them
Motivation and ability to do focused, independent work, in the context of a team
Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with stakeholders within and outside ABC, with a sensible approach to vertical and horizontal relationships
Continuous learning attitude, with maturity to take feedback constructively
Enthusiasm to supervise and mentor junior colleagues, providing guidance and feedback on their work
Ability to delegate tasks effectively while maintaining quality standards
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, where objectives must be met within tight deadlines
Ability to thrive in a lean team structure with significant independence and responsibility
Proudly one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible environment where all employees can thrive and feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please do not hesitate to contact us at accessibility@bdc.ca.
While we appreciate all applications, we advise that only the candidates selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted.