Connecticut Innovations
Venture Capital Director - AI/Q Fund
Connecticut Innovations, Stamford, Connecticut, United States, 06925
Overview
Come join Connecticut Innovations (CI) as part of our Venture Team and serving as
Director
and lead of our newest equity fund launched in February 2025 – the Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Computing (AI/Q) Fund! Connecticut Innovations (CI) is Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm and one of the most active investors on the eastern seaboard, with a portfolio of 220+ companies across life sciences, technology and climate tech. CI invests in 20+ new companies each year, provides follow-on capital to existing portfolio companies, and acts as a Limited Partner in outside venture funds based in CT. CI has invested $700+ million since 1995 and has leveraged power of 10X, or $7+ billion. In fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, CI invested $45.8 million in 67 companies and venture funds, attracting an additional $653 million in outside capital; the year generated $43.2 million in proceeds to support future investments. CI hosts or participates in over 20 ecosystem events annually, with headquarters at The District in New Haven serving as a catalyst for partnership and an innovation ecosystem hub. Our culture is vibrant, diverse, collaborative, and inclusive. We embrace perspective and mission alignment on our impact to Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem. AI/Q Fund In 2025 we launched a dedicated $50 million AI/Q Fund to support the State of Connecticut and its $100+ million in funding for key capital investments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing in partnership with the University of Connecticut (UConn) and Yale University. The AIQ Fund will work closely with QuantumCT and other organizations across the State of Connecticut. The AI/Q Fund is already investing in companies such as Arccos Golf, Copyleaks, Curacity, Kibu, Shelf and Quantum Circuits. Our AI/Q investment history includes exits with DiA Imaging Analysis, eBrevia, Holisto, and Manifest Technologies. Venture Capital (VC) Director All Venture Team members participate in the investment due diligence process and post-investment work to scale portfolio companies. We value diversity of thought, open-mindedness, big thinking, and mission-driven investing. This is a hands-on venture capital role in an innovative, collaborative environment supporting Connecticut’s economic growth. This role will contribute to executing our AIQ investment strategy by researching and cultivating promising opportunities, participating in all phases of the investment process (sourcing, due diligence, meetings with management, industry research, financial modeling, and investment recommendations). Post-investment, team members monitor portfolio companies and may serve as a board member or observer. Responsibilities
Role is a combination of investment origination, deal execution, and portfolio company management Conduct market, product and competitive analysis on each potential investment Develop financial models and valuation assessments; collaborate with internal team members to structure, negotiate and finalize deal terms Prepare reports and proposals regarding potential investments and portfolio companies Present investments for approval to CI advisory committees and CI Board committees Support portfolio companies by identifying strategic, marketing, and partnership opportunities to accelerate growth and value creation Personal Characteristics
Entrepreneurial mindset and self-starter attitude in a collaborative, diverse environment High energy, accountability, and positive attitude Problem-solving skills with ability to work autonomously in ambiguous situations Motivated to succeed in a fast-paced environment Ability to move between routine detail and higher-level strategic thinking Strong teamwork, confidence balanced with humility Commitment to excellence in prior work and academic history Role Requirements
Experience as a founder or early-stage entrepreneur is highly preferred; startup/growth experience in a venture-backed deep-tech company is valued Master's and/or higher degree in business or computer science; undergraduate degree in computer science or equivalent Hands-on experience with AI, quantum, ML/DL, NLP and/or computer vision models and technologies 3+ years in venture capital, private equity, or investment management in deep-tech companies preferred Experience in investment origination, due diligence, deal execution, and portfolio management preferred Experience in market, product, competitive and valuation analysis in deep-tech companies preferred Knowledge of financial statements, business plans, and legal documentation Excellent oral and written communication skills This role resides at CI’s Stamford, CT location (The Village) 1 day/week and at CI’s New Haven, CT location (District | Coworking Space) 2 days/week (Monday and Wednesday). Connecticut residency is required for this role. Connecticut Innovations offers a competitive starting salary, with bonus opportunities based on team and individual investment performance, generous paid time off, and a culture that supports work-life balance. Connecticut Innovations is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We welcome all candidates to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran. Details
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Business Development, Finance, and Strategy/Planning Industries: Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals and Software Development
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Come join Connecticut Innovations (CI) as part of our Venture Team and serving as
Director
and lead of our newest equity fund launched in February 2025 – the Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Computing (AI/Q) Fund! Connecticut Innovations (CI) is Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm and one of the most active investors on the eastern seaboard, with a portfolio of 220+ companies across life sciences, technology and climate tech. CI invests in 20+ new companies each year, provides follow-on capital to existing portfolio companies, and acts as a Limited Partner in outside venture funds based in CT. CI has invested $700+ million since 1995 and has leveraged power of 10X, or $7+ billion. In fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, CI invested $45.8 million in 67 companies and venture funds, attracting an additional $653 million in outside capital; the year generated $43.2 million in proceeds to support future investments. CI hosts or participates in over 20 ecosystem events annually, with headquarters at The District in New Haven serving as a catalyst for partnership and an innovation ecosystem hub. Our culture is vibrant, diverse, collaborative, and inclusive. We embrace perspective and mission alignment on our impact to Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem. AI/Q Fund In 2025 we launched a dedicated $50 million AI/Q Fund to support the State of Connecticut and its $100+ million in funding for key capital investments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing in partnership with the University of Connecticut (UConn) and Yale University. The AIQ Fund will work closely with QuantumCT and other organizations across the State of Connecticut. The AI/Q Fund is already investing in companies such as Arccos Golf, Copyleaks, Curacity, Kibu, Shelf and Quantum Circuits. Our AI/Q investment history includes exits with DiA Imaging Analysis, eBrevia, Holisto, and Manifest Technologies. Venture Capital (VC) Director All Venture Team members participate in the investment due diligence process and post-investment work to scale portfolio companies. We value diversity of thought, open-mindedness, big thinking, and mission-driven investing. This is a hands-on venture capital role in an innovative, collaborative environment supporting Connecticut’s economic growth. This role will contribute to executing our AIQ investment strategy by researching and cultivating promising opportunities, participating in all phases of the investment process (sourcing, due diligence, meetings with management, industry research, financial modeling, and investment recommendations). Post-investment, team members monitor portfolio companies and may serve as a board member or observer. Responsibilities
Role is a combination of investment origination, deal execution, and portfolio company management Conduct market, product and competitive analysis on each potential investment Develop financial models and valuation assessments; collaborate with internal team members to structure, negotiate and finalize deal terms Prepare reports and proposals regarding potential investments and portfolio companies Present investments for approval to CI advisory committees and CI Board committees Support portfolio companies by identifying strategic, marketing, and partnership opportunities to accelerate growth and value creation Personal Characteristics
Entrepreneurial mindset and self-starter attitude in a collaborative, diverse environment High energy, accountability, and positive attitude Problem-solving skills with ability to work autonomously in ambiguous situations Motivated to succeed in a fast-paced environment Ability to move between routine detail and higher-level strategic thinking Strong teamwork, confidence balanced with humility Commitment to excellence in prior work and academic history Role Requirements
Experience as a founder or early-stage entrepreneur is highly preferred; startup/growth experience in a venture-backed deep-tech company is valued Master's and/or higher degree in business or computer science; undergraduate degree in computer science or equivalent Hands-on experience with AI, quantum, ML/DL, NLP and/or computer vision models and technologies 3+ years in venture capital, private equity, or investment management in deep-tech companies preferred Experience in investment origination, due diligence, deal execution, and portfolio management preferred Experience in market, product, competitive and valuation analysis in deep-tech companies preferred Knowledge of financial statements, business plans, and legal documentation Excellent oral and written communication skills This role resides at CI’s Stamford, CT location (The Village) 1 day/week and at CI’s New Haven, CT location (District | Coworking Space) 2 days/week (Monday and Wednesday). Connecticut residency is required for this role. Connecticut Innovations offers a competitive starting salary, with bonus opportunities based on team and individual investment performance, generous paid time off, and a culture that supports work-life balance. Connecticut Innovations is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We welcome all candidates to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran. Details
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Business Development, Finance, and Strategy/Planning Industries: Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals and Software Development
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