Startup Portfolio Associate at ClimateHaven

ClimateHaven is a climate tech incubator for world-class innovators and entrepreneurs. The ClimateHaven hub offers workspace and prototyping support, targeted programming, and best-in-class professional guidance to dedicated entrepreneurs tackling climate challenges through commercial ventures. Located downtown in New Haven, Connecticut, ClimateHaven startups benefit from partnerships with some of the brightest minds from the Northeast and greater New Haven academic ecosystem, and from proximity to our deep network of investors and strategic partners in New York City and Boston.

THE ROLE: Our Startup Portfolio Associate, reporting to the Senior Manager, Ecosystem Engagement, will support the ClimateHaven incubator in startup recruitment and development.

Startup Recruitment:
• Identify and source promising climate tech startups to join the ClimateHaven community through various recruitment channels, including events, social media, and partner referrals
• Manage relationships with universities, entrepreneurship centers, and other community partners to ensure an active pipeline of prospective startups
• Lead the development and implementation of effective recruitment strategies and initiatives
• Attend and represent ClimateHaven at climate tech startup events to promote the incubator and accelerator programs.
Startup Diligence:
• Review applications and pitch deck materials to identify promising startups that align with the ClimateHaven mission and resources
• Track and synthesize trends across climate tech sectors to identify pipeline opportunities
• Conduct phone/Zoom screenings and coordinate interviews and due diligence meetings with Senior Ecosystem Engagement Manager and selection committee
• Ensure accurate documentation of the recruitment process, including tracking candidates in Airtable.
Startup Development:
• Prepare onboarding materials and orientation sessions for new startups
• Prepare for, schedule, participate in, and follow-up on one-on-one check-ins with startups in the portfolio to monitor progress and provide support
• Assist Senior Ecosystem Engagement Manager with delivering on startup needs, including mentor, investor and partner matching.
• Diligently participate and perform various ad-hoc projects and tasks as required.