Venture Capital Associate

About Merak Capital

Merak Capital stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s investment landscape, distinguished as a premier venture capital firm committed to catalyzing innovation and empowering visionary entrepreneurs. With a robust and diversified investment portfolio encompassing venture capital, private equity, credit, and an innovation platform, we are dedicated to driving transformative growth across high-potential sectors in the Kingdom and beyond. Our mission is to identify, nurture, and scale groundbreaking businesses that redefine industries and contribute to the economic evolution of the region.

Position 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 strategic partner to portfolio companies, playing a central part in deal origination, value creation, follow-on investment management, and providing high-impact advisory services. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the trajectory of our investments, ensuring sustainable growth and maximizing returns for our stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the firm’s long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Value Creation: Collaborate with portfolio companies to develop and execute tailored strategies that enhance operational efficiency, strengthen market positioning, and accelerate long-term growth. Your role will involve identifying opportunities for optimization, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within our portfolio enterprises.
• Follow-On Investments: Lead the evaluation and execution of follow-on investment opportunities, conducting comprehensive due diligence, financial modeling, and risk assessments. Your analytical rigor will be critical in supporting the scaling efforts of our portfolio companies while ensuring alignment with Merak Capital’s investment thesis and risk parameters.
• Valuation Procedures: Oversee and manage the valuation processes for all portfolio investments, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. Your expertise in valuation methodologies will be essential in providing stakeholders with reliable and actionable insights.
• Strategic Advisory: Deliver high-level strategic guidance to portfolio companies on critical business functions, including market expansion, go-to-market strategies, corporate governance, and operational efficiency. Your advisory role will be pivotal in helping portfolio companies navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• Portfolio Monitoring: Track and analyze the performance of portfolio companies, preparing detailed reports and actionable insights for internal stakeholders and senior leadership. Your ability to synthesize complex data into clear, strategic recommendations will drive informed decision-making across the firm.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships with the Deals Team, other business units, and external partners to ensure seamless alignment of portfolio strategies with Merak Capital’s broader investment objectives. Your collaborative approach will be key to driving synergies and unlocking value across the firm’s ecosystem.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide junior team members, including Analysts and Associates, to cultivate a high-performing and cohesive Portfolio Team. Your leadership will be instrumental in developing the next generation of investment professionals and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Market Insights: Stay at the cutting edge of industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities within the venture capital landscape. Your insights will inform portfolio strategies, ensuring that Merak Capital remains ahead of the curve in identifying and capitalizing on transformative investment opportunities.

Qualifications & Competencies

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, Business Administration, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in venture capital or a related investment role, with a proven track record of success in managing portfolios, executing follow-on investments, and providing strategic advisory to early-stage or growth-stage companies.
• Exceptional finance acumen, with a deep understanding of financial modeling, valuation techniques, and investment structuring. Proficiency in advanced modeling tools, including LBO, DCF, and sensitivity analysis, is required.
• Strong portfolio management and value creation experience, demonstrated through a history of driving operational improvements and sustainable growth in portfolio companies.
• Expertise in conducting due diligence, assessing risks, and negotiating term sheets, with a keen eye for identifying high-potential investment opportunities.
• Proficiency in relevant investment management platforms, such as Excel, PitchBook, or similar tools, to streamline data analysis and reporting processes.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive and results-driven mindset, coupled with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Your adaptability and problem-solving skills will be critical in navigating the challenges and opportunities inherent in venture capital.