Venture Capital Associate

About Merak Capital

Merak Capital stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s investment landscape, operating as a premier venture capital firm committed to catalyzing innovation and driving sustainable growth across high-potential sectors. With a robust and diversified investment portfolio that spans venture capital, private equity, credit, and an innovation platform, Merak Capital is uniquely positioned to fuel transformative change within the Kingdom and beyond. Our mission is to empower visionary entrepreneurs and support groundbreaking ideas that redefine industries and create lasting economic impact.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Venture Capital Associate to join our elite Venture Capital team. In this pivotal role, you will serve as a key contributor to our investment strategy, playing an integral part in deal origination, value creation, follow-on investment management, and strategic advisory for our portfolio companies. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with high-growth startups and innovative enterprises, shaping their trajectories while contributing to Merak Capital’s broader investment objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Value Creation: Collaborate with portfolio companies to design and implement strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, strengthen market positioning, and accelerate long-term growth. Your role will involve identifying opportunities for improvement and working alongside founders to execute impactful changes.
• Follow-On Investments: Lead the evaluation and execution of follow-on investment opportunities by conducting comprehensive due diligence, financial modeling, and risk assessments. Your insights will be critical in supporting the scaling efforts of our portfolio companies and maximizing their potential.
• Valuation Procedures: Oversee and manage the valuation processes for all portfolio investments, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. This includes performing accurate and timely valuations to reflect the true performance and potential of our investments.
• Strategic Advisory: Provide high-level strategic guidance to portfolio companies on a range of critical areas, including business development, go-to-market strategies, corporate governance, and operational optimization. Your advisory role will be instrumental in helping these companies navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
• Portfolio Monitoring: Monitor the performance of portfolio companies through detailed analysis and reporting. Prepare comprehensive insights and recommendations for internal stakeholders and leadership to inform strategic decision-making.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships with the Deals Team, other business units, and external partners to ensure alignment between portfolio strategies and Merak Capital’s overarching investment goals. Your ability to collaborate effectively will be essential in driving cohesive and impactful outcomes.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide junior team members, including Analysts and Associates, to cultivate a high-performing and collaborative Portfolio Team culture. Your leadership will help shape the next generation of investment professionals within the firm.
• Market Insights: Stay ahead of industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities within the venture capital ecosystem. Leverage your expertise to inform and refine portfolio strategies, ensuring they remain competitive and forward-thinking.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, you will bring a blend of academic excellence, professional experience, and a passion for venture capital. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field, such as Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.
• Three to five years of hands-on experience in a venture capital investment role, with a proven track record of success in portfolio management and value creation.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to analyze complex financial data, build sophisticated models, and assess investment opportunities with precision.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing follow-on investments, conducting valuations, and providing strategic advisory to early-stage or growth-stage companies.
• Proficiency in investment management tools and platforms, such as Excel, PitchBook, or other relevant software, to streamline processes and enhance decision-making.
• Advanced financial modeling skills, including expertise in Leveraged Buyout (LBO) models, Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, sensitivity analysis, valuation techniques, deal structuring, and term-sheet negotiation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels.