Investment Director (AI)

  • San Jose, CA
  • Position Open
  • San Jose, CA
  • Position Open
Investment Director (AI)

TDK Ventures is seeking an exceptional Investment Director to join its elite investing team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with an industry recognized, top-tier Corporate Venture Capital fund. We are headquartered in Silicon Valley and operate in Boston, Tokyo, Bangaluru and London. Our core focus areas span Renewable Energy, Materials Technologies, Cleantech, Industry 5.0, Mobility, Computing & Connectivity. At TDK Ventures, we are pioneering the future of corporate venturing with a commitment to deliver ‘TDK Goodness’ to entrepreneurs in the deep-tech sector.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will deep dive into groundbreaking technologies with a focus on megatrends in digital transformation, particularly AI, advanced computing, and connectivity. At TDK Ventures, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of unique, high-quality insights, enabling us to make smarter, future-focused investment decisions. From advanced computing to next-gen AI innovations, our guiding investment principle is to support visionary entrepreneurs at the forefront of digital transformation, creating intelligent systems and harnessing the power of next generation computing applications that will make the world smarter, more connected, and better for everyone. Responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to:

  • Research, develop, articulate and present views on a corporate technology investment strategy in close alignment with strategies and requirements of the various TDK business groups, ultimately building non-obvious insights and compelling investment theses for TDK Ventures and documenting relevant learnings and insights captured during the due diligences
  • Proactively expand network in global venture and start-up ecosystem on worldwide basis, building premium relationships to drive high-quality incoming startup projects flow, and ensure highest quality due diligence of potential investments, together with high caliber co-investing partners relevant to each investment
  • Define and lead due diligence process priorities in TDK’s long-term strategic spaces, AI, GenAI and advanced computing technology analysis, product value proposition analysis, business model and strategic/financial valuation, quality intellectual property analysis, and welcoming team reviews and devil’s advocate (red-team review) sessions, ultimately building high-quality investment proposals for TDK Ventures Investment Committee
  • Analyze operational forecasts and business strategies of active investments and suggest value-add actions (“TDK Goodness”) when possible and valued by our portfolio companies. Facilitate business partnering arrangements with TDK Corporation to deliver tangible strategic value and provide ongoing operational support ultimately helping TDK Ventures Portfolio Companies to succeed.
  • Present at relevant industry events and write thought leadership articles or blogs on topics around TDK’s Strategic Space, Entrepreneurship & Corporate Venturing

Qualifications

The successful candidate for this position must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The qualifications and working conditions listed below are representative of those required for the position.

  • Must have an advanced degree in the Sciences, Computer Science/Engineering, Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Computational Neuroscience, or related field (PhD preferred)
  • 10+ years of venture capital experience, with at least 3-5 years at the Principal or equivalent level in a respected VC or CVC firm
  • Extensive experience in AI, machine learning, computing, and other deep-tech sectors in both startup ecosystems and larger corporate entities
  • Proven track record of successful investments and exits in high-growth startups
  • Deep network within the venture capital, startup, and tech ecosystems, with strong relationships across the AI and computing landscapes
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop and communicate clear, strategic initiatives that inspire and align a team, while driving high-performance teams to meet and exceed ambitious KPIs, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a results-driven culture
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, financial and business acumen, ability to analyze, negotiate and execute on complex investment opportunities
  • An intellectual curiosity and understanding of diverse technologies with an ability to recognize and grasp critical computer science related technology capabilities and potentials
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast paced environment with cross functional teams and across multiple projects and geographies
  • Broad ability to perform strategic hypothesis brainstorming and evaluate product market fit and market sizing
  • Proficiency in modeling company financials, performing valuation analysis, deal structuring and negotiations
  • Expert level influential communication and impactful presentation skills and ability to effectively work with different cultures across the world
  • Excellent analytical, research, and organizational skills
  • Self-starter personality with exceptional work ethic and uncompromising personal integrity

Compensation

This position is based in San Jose, CA and the annual base pay range for this role is between USD $200,000 and $260,000. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: education, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, work location, market demands, etc. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified at the Companies discretion. The role may also be eligible for variable bonus programs and benefits.

Benefits

TDK Ventures offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, 401(k), life insurance, vacation, paid holidays and more.