PRINCIPAL, VENTURE CAPITAL - Climate Tech & Sustainability Funds
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...
Explore the BDC Way in our Culture Book
POSITION OVERVIEW
BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC – Canada’s only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. With over 7 billion dollars under management, serving as a strategic partner to Canada's most innovative firms, we cover the full spectrum of risk capital, from seed investments to growth capital.
The Climate Tech and Sustainability Venture Funds are a $1.2B platform dedicated to investing in Canadian companies that drive our transition to a cleaner future whether that’s driving ghg reductions, climate impact, a sustainable future or Canada’s net zero ambitions. Combined the funds have $400M to invest to catalyze global champions providing solutions to the world’s most pressing climate and sustainability challenges.
Principals join one of our funds as experienced investment professionals to aid in sourcing potential deals, oversee their execution, and take responsibility for the investment’s relationship and performance.
In this role, you will develop your ability to own the entire deal process. You will start sourcing deals and leading complex due diligence efforts, managing key team members for new and/or existing investment opportunities that ultimately shape the future of Canadian economy. You are expected to play a proactive role in representing BDC Capital as a first-class player in the ecosystem, assist Partners in the leadership of deals, and coach Analysts and Associates.
CHALLENGES TO BE MET
Platform Building
Ensure that new and existing investment research files, business plans, and periodic performance reports provided by companies, as well as any other information collected by the investment team, are maintained in conformity with BDC’s policies and procedures
Contribute to a high performing team environment within the internal fund built on trust, collaboration, and high aspirations
Ensure the progression of professionals in the deal team, balancing workload, coaching, and identifying opportunities to assign higher responsibilities
Assist on occasion with recruiting for the team and new employees’ onboarding
Deal Sourcing
Lead initial assessment of companies by coordinating initial business plan reviews, managing initial communication with entrepreneurs, and referring sources, and preparing initial interview guides and alignment memoranda with recommendations to pursue or decline
Build and maintain networks within the investment community, acting as an ambassador for the funds, BDC Capital and BDC
Work with investment partners and other funds to build relationships for deal flow and syndication
Keep abreast of significant developments and activities in the entrepreneurial community and continue to raise awareness of BDC Capital through networking and related opportunities
Contribute to the sourcing and identification of high-potential venture companies for investment based on the teams’ investment parameters
Deal Making
Lead complex due diligence for new and/or existing investment opportunities by orchestrating analyses such as market, competition, management, sales, products, cap table, and anything that is relevant to determining potential business value and exist strategies
Lead reference calls with competitors, clients, industry experts, and prospect company’s current or past employees
Produce Investment Memos and support Partners in presenting opportunities to the Investment Committee
Review and comment on legal agreements negotiated by the deal’s lead
Portfolio Management & Support
Assist partners in managing efficient ongoing relationships with executives of investee companies, promptly responding to all inquiries in a courteous and efficient manner
Stand responsible for a few companies to monitor and provide value-add support, taking charge of operational communication, and participating in board meetings
Assist portfolio companies with introductions (e.g. potential suppliers, investors, employees), governance, financing, strategic planning, marketing, and other operational topics
Support the efficient monetization of portfolio companies rolled into the fund to maximize proceeds on exit
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Typical Background
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7 to 10 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 bank, accounting firm
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
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A post-graduate degree or equivalent certification is valuable. Typical post-graduate credentials are likely to be, but are not limited to:
Master’s in business administration (MBA)
Other STEM Master’s or PhD degree
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Technical Knowledge
Thorough understanding of the deal process, from sourcing to due diligence, to portfolio management
Ability to read financial statements and translate its content into insights about the business
Strong skills in Excel, particularly in building robust financial models that include sensitivity analysis and scenario modeling, as well as performing complex data analysis. Any other analytic tools and techniques are an asset
Good ability to use other MS-suite applications efficiently, mainly Word and PowerPoint
Good ability to problem-solve using structured thinking and communication techniques
Ability to write an Investment Memo that is clear, concise, and eloquent
Technology skills with wide application, such as coding, chemistry or electronics can be an asset
Operational knowledge of any technical industry is an asset
Bilingualism in French and English is an asset
Behavioral Traits
Supportive, helpful attitude – sensitivity to identify what the fund needs, take ownership of team performance, and relieve Partners from operations so that they can focus on the deal pipeline
Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with stakeholders within and outside BDC, with a sensible approach to vertical and horizontal relationships
Interpersonal polish, ability to influence pertinently in the context of business settings, including operational and executive audiences
Motivation and ability to leverage work as a team, by taking a leadership role
Enthusiasm to support and coach more junior colleagues, sharing knowledge and advice
Continuous learning attitude, with maturity to give and take feedback constructively
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, where objectives must be met within tight deadlines
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.