Connecticut Innovations
Summer 2026 Venture Team Intern | Venture Debt (New Haven)
Connecticut Innovations, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, 06540
Connecticut Innovations (CI)
As Connecticuts strategic venture capital arm and one of the most active investors on the East Coast,
Connecticut Innovations (CI)
manages a portfolio of
220+ companies
spanning life sciences, technology, and climate tech. Each year, CI meets with hundreds of entrepreneurs to identify the most promising early-stage companies growing in Connecticut. CI invests in
20+ new companies annually
and provides follow-on capital to existing portfolio companies. It also invests as a
Limited Partner in Connecticut-based venture funds
17 funds in the past six years .
Since 1989, CI has: Invested
$700+ million
in innovative startups Generated
$7+ billion
in outside capital ( 10X leverage )
In fiscal year 2025, CI invested
$45.8 million in 67 companies and venture funds , helping attract an additional
$653 million
in outside capital. The year also generated
$43.2 million in proceeds , fueling future investments in early-stage companies.
Our culture is
vibrant, diverse, and collaborative . We share a mission-driven commitment to strengthening Connecticuts innovation ecosystem. CI participates in
20+ ecosystem events annually , and our headquarters at
District New Haven
serves as a hub for partnership, community, and innovation.
Venture Debt Fund CIs Venture Debt Fund provides flexible financing to early- and late-stage tech companies through venture and mezzanine debt. This type of capital helps startups grow without giving up significant equity.
Mezzanine debt
is a hybrid of debt and equity
typically offering higher interest rates and including
warrants
(the right to buy equity) as part of the return. We offer loans from
$150,000 to $2 million , with fixed interest rates between
6% and 12% , terms of
3 to 5 years , and
liens on company assets
as collateral.
We invest in technology-driven companies that are
based in or open to relocating to Connecticut , with a focus on
bioscience, IT, clean tech, photonics, and advanced materials . As an intern, youll get hands-on experience with startup financing, due diligence, and portfolio evaluationideal for anyone interested in venture capital, structured finance, or supporting innovation at the early stages.
We seek
MBA or undergraduate students
with a strong interest in venture debt, who are eager to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of venture capital and lending.
Venture Debt Team Internship Join CIs
Venture Debt Team
to gain hands-on venture capital experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Interns contribute to projects that strengthen the venture infrastructure, support due diligence, and drive portfolio success.
The Venture Debt Team
is small in size, but each team member plays a pivotal role. The team values diverse perspectives, bold thinking, and mission alignment.
Responsibilities Collect and analyze data on portfolio activity, industries, markets, and competitors Support investment monitoring, financial analysis, and market research Assist with due diligence, including business plan assessment and company evaluations Build financial models and prepare presentations for the CI Investment Committee Contribute to lead generation, sourcing, and business development activities
Qualifications Current MBA or undergraduate student Strong interest in venture capital and early-stage innovation Analytical and financial modeling skills or coursework in finance, economics, or accounting Based in or studying in Connecticut Available to work
on-site two days per week (Mondays and Wednesdays required)
in New Haven
Skills & Competencies Passionate about startups and community building Curious, proactive, and adaptable Highly organized with strong follow-through Skilled communicator who can synthesize complex data Team-oriented with a positive attitude and sense of humor
The CI Intern Experience As a CI Intern, youll dive into Connecticuts startup ecosystemlearning, building, and connecting along the way.
Youll have an opportunity to: Level up your VC skills:
Participate in a structured venture capital curriculum Develop professionally:
Attend workshops to enhance business and leadership skills Work on real deals:
Collaborate with interns and CI staff on active investments Network across Connecticut:
Meet entrepreneurs, portfolio teams, and industry leaders Engage with founders:
Attend live pitches and executive sessions Shape CIs future:
Contribute to investments and process improvements Explore the ecosystem:
Join day trips to portfolio companies and fund partners Enjoy perks:
Great food, fun events, and exclusive CI swag
Equal Opportunity Employer Connecticut Innovations is an
equal opportunity/affirmative action employer . We welcome applicants of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
Connecticut Innovations (CI)
manages a portfolio of
220+ companies
spanning life sciences, technology, and climate tech. Each year, CI meets with hundreds of entrepreneurs to identify the most promising early-stage companies growing in Connecticut. CI invests in
20+ new companies annually
and provides follow-on capital to existing portfolio companies. It also invests as a
Limited Partner in Connecticut-based venture funds
17 funds in the past six years .
Since 1989, CI has: Invested
$700+ million
in innovative startups Generated
$7+ billion
in outside capital ( 10X leverage )
In fiscal year 2025, CI invested
$45.8 million in 67 companies and venture funds , helping attract an additional
$653 million
in outside capital. The year also generated
$43.2 million in proceeds , fueling future investments in early-stage companies.
Our culture is
vibrant, diverse, and collaborative . We share a mission-driven commitment to strengthening Connecticuts innovation ecosystem. CI participates in
20+ ecosystem events annually , and our headquarters at
District New Haven
serves as a hub for partnership, community, and innovation.
Venture Debt Fund CIs Venture Debt Fund provides flexible financing to early- and late-stage tech companies through venture and mezzanine debt. This type of capital helps startups grow without giving up significant equity.
Mezzanine debt
is a hybrid of debt and equity
typically offering higher interest rates and including
warrants
(the right to buy equity) as part of the return. We offer loans from
$150,000 to $2 million , with fixed interest rates between
6% and 12% , terms of
3 to 5 years , and
liens on company assets
as collateral.
We invest in technology-driven companies that are
based in or open to relocating to Connecticut , with a focus on
bioscience, IT, clean tech, photonics, and advanced materials . As an intern, youll get hands-on experience with startup financing, due diligence, and portfolio evaluationideal for anyone interested in venture capital, structured finance, or supporting innovation at the early stages.
We seek
MBA or undergraduate students
with a strong interest in venture debt, who are eager to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of venture capital and lending.
Venture Debt Team Internship Join CIs
Venture Debt Team
to gain hands-on venture capital experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Interns contribute to projects that strengthen the venture infrastructure, support due diligence, and drive portfolio success.
The Venture Debt Team
is small in size, but each team member plays a pivotal role. The team values diverse perspectives, bold thinking, and mission alignment.
Responsibilities Collect and analyze data on portfolio activity, industries, markets, and competitors Support investment monitoring, financial analysis, and market research Assist with due diligence, including business plan assessment and company evaluations Build financial models and prepare presentations for the CI Investment Committee Contribute to lead generation, sourcing, and business development activities
Qualifications Current MBA or undergraduate student Strong interest in venture capital and early-stage innovation Analytical and financial modeling skills or coursework in finance, economics, or accounting Based in or studying in Connecticut Available to work
on-site two days per week (Mondays and Wednesdays required)
in New Haven
Skills & Competencies Passionate about startups and community building Curious, proactive, and adaptable Highly organized with strong follow-through Skilled communicator who can synthesize complex data Team-oriented with a positive attitude and sense of humor
The CI Intern Experience As a CI Intern, youll dive into Connecticuts startup ecosystemlearning, building, and connecting along the way.
Youll have an opportunity to: Level up your VC skills:
Participate in a structured venture capital curriculum Develop professionally:
Attend workshops to enhance business and leadership skills Work on real deals:
Collaborate with interns and CI staff on active investments Network across Connecticut:
Meet entrepreneurs, portfolio teams, and industry leaders Engage with founders:
Attend live pitches and executive sessions Shape CIs future:
Contribute to investments and process improvements Explore the ecosystem:
Join day trips to portfolio companies and fund partners Enjoy perks:
Great food, fun events, and exclusive CI swag
Equal Opportunity Employer Connecticut Innovations is an
equal opportunity/affirmative action employer . We welcome applicants of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.