Vc Associate Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Oval Park Capital is an early‑stage venture capital firm on a mission to back breakthrough physical and industrial technology startups solving some of the world’s most critical challenges. Based in Raleigh, NC, we primarily invest across the Southeast and other overlooked ecosystems, leveraging a contrarian approach to find value where others may not. We target industries such as:

• Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
• AI Infrastructure & Computing
• Climate Tech & Sustainability
• Healthcare Data & Interoperability
• Robotics & Automation
• Other mission‑critical solutions

Since our founding in 2018, we’ve raised two core funds and more than 10 co‑investment vehicles, deploying over $60 million in 19 portfolio companies. Our “early and active” model means we roll up our sleeves from day one, helping founders navigate growth, challenges, and strategic planning. We’ve already seen strong exits and no shutdowns, underscoring our commitment to supporting resilient businesses from the ground up.

This Senior Associate role is Partner‑track, offering a unique opportunity for significant impact in a growing firm. You will work directly with our Managing Partner, alongside other investment professionals and Operating Partners, to execute investments and support portfolio companies post‑investment. From sourcing deals to attending board meetings, you will gain hands‑on experience that broadens your perspective and shapes your career trajectory.

Ideal candidates are self‑st

• Network strategically with founders, accelerators, and venture partners
• Research industry trends, under‑the‑radar markets, and emerging technologies
• Build and maintain a steady flow of early‑stage investment opportunities

• Lead analytical efforts (market sizing, competitor mapping, technology/IP assessment)
• Conduct customer calls, build financial models with sensitivity analyses
• Craft well‑reasoned investment theses and present to the team

• Synthesize findings into thorough memos, highlighting risks and upside
• Collaborate with counsel to navigate term sheets, structures, and closing processes
• Negotiate deal terms and coordinate definitive documentation

• Provide strategic and operational guidance (go‑to‑market, budgeting, KPI tracking)
• Connect portfolio companies with customers, investors, and industry experts
• Attend board meetings as a Board Member or Observer, contributing to key decisions

• Track performance metrics, unit economics, and cash runway
• Assist with quarterly reporting, valuations, and capital calls
• Maintain strong relationships with company leadership and help drive best practices

• Explore emerging verticals like advanced manufacturing, AI/ML, climate tech, and robotics
• Produce thematic frameworks to inform future investments
• Present findings to refine Oval Park’s contrarian approach

• Support the Managing Partner in raising future funds and preparing data rooms
• Provide updates to current and prospective Limited Partners
• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders

• Enhance internal systems (CRM, pipeline tracking, knowledge repositories)
• Mentor interns/analysts; represent Oval Park at conferences and in written content

• 3–5+ years of relevant experience, including:
• 1–2 years in investment banking, consulting, corporate development, or startup operations/founding
• 1–2 years in venture capital, growth equity, or private equity (early‑stage familiarity preferred)

Strong analytical/financial capabilities: Excel modeling, projections, scenario analyses, cap table work

First‑principles, contrarian thinker: Able to assess deals on fundamentals over market momentum

Exceptional communication: Clearly written memos and comfort engaging with founders and executives

Hustle & resourcefulness: Self‑directed, able to juggle multiple projects in a lean environment

Integrity & sound judgment: Trustworthy, ethical, and adept at making principled decisions

Team‑oriented: Committed to collaborating, sharing insights, and contributing to a supportive culture

Passion for technology & mission: Motivated by cutting‑edge industrial and physical tech solutions

Education & Logistics:

• Bachelor’s degree (MBA, MS, or CFA a plus)
• Willingness to relocate to Raleigh, NC, and travel occasionally

• Founder‑First Partnership: We co‑create success with entrepreneurs, grounded in trust.
• Contrarian Conviction: We explore overlooked markets with data‑driven rigor over hype.
• Active Value‑Add: Strategic and operational support beyond capital investment.
• Integrity & Accountability: Ethical decisions, honored commitments, transparent operations.
• Work Ethic & Fulfillment: Continuous learning, collective achievement, and shared passion.

• As a senior team member, you’ll shape both investment and operational outcomes
• Your work directly affects founders’ success and the firm’s trajectory

• Direct access to the Managing Partner and investment committees
• Broad exposure to fund strategy, operations, and governance
• Clear path toward a Partner role as you develop

• Startup‑like culture encouraging innovation and ownership
• Flexibility to propose and test new ideas, learning from outcomes

• Market‑aligned base salary, performance‑based bonus
• Carried interest grants in our funds for long‑term upside
• Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, retirement), plus relocation support

• Shape the future of deep‑tech solutions solving pressing global challenges
• Work with visionary founders at the cutting edge of technology