Investment Associate

We are looking for an Associate to join our Investment Team in Tokyo, Japan.  As an Associate, you will play a vital role in Scrum’s investment team, leading efforts in sourcing investments, conducting due diligence, supporting portfolio companies, and developing market theses. You will also contribute to marketing and brand-building initiatives.  The role offers exposure to global venture ecosystems, particularly between the U.S. and Japan.

• Identify high-potential investment opportunities through various channels.

• Screen initial investments to determine if resources should be allocated

• Conduct diligence to analyze operational, technical, and financial aspects of companies

• Support portfolio companies with strategy and various projects

• Engage actively with the technology ecosystem to foster partnerships and provide strategic support to Scrum portfolio companies

• Maintain thorough documentation of company assessments and key discussions

• Attend events, conferences, and networking functions to stay up to date on industry trends and build network

• Build trustful relationships with our existing and potential limited partners

• Support fund management activities in collaboration with the Fund Ops team

• Help plan and execute marketing initiatives to build the Scrum brand

• Up to 3 years of experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, or strategy consulting

• Operational experience at a startup is preferred although not a requirement

• Strong and demonstrated interest in technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital

• Strong ability to collaborate in a team while maintaining a self-starter mindset

• Strong interpersonal and quantitative skills and high attention to detail

• Strong communication skills; both verbal and written

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment

• PowerPoint and Excel capabilities

• Outstanding academic track record

• Fluency in both Japanese (native level) and English (business level)

About Scrum Ventures

Scrum Ventures is an early-stage venture firm investing across a range of industries. Based in San Francisco with extensive experience and networks in both Silicon Valley and Japan, Scrum Ventures accelerates portfolio companies with global opportunities and helps corporations innovate. Its subsidiary Scrum Studio is a platform that connects global corporations with startups and helps non-Japanese startups expand into Japan.