What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director, Investment Management (AI Sector), Samsung Ventures America position at Samsung Research America?
Group Summary:
Samsung Ventures America (SVA) represents the U.S. arm of Samsung's venture investment operations, with offices in Mountain View, CA, and Boston, MA. With over $2.8B assets under management (AUM), the team's core mandate is to identify pioneering technologies that can be integrated within Samsung's business model, thereby enriching the global technology landscape. Our investment interests span semiconductors, materials, mobile services, software, security, enterprise solutions, bioengineering, fintech, insuretech, among others. We evaluate investment prospects ranging from nascent-stage startups to advanced pre-IPO enterprises.
Position Summary:
The Senior Director, Investment Management role is dedicated to formulating investment strategies in AI and other complementary sectors, as well as venturing into unconventional domains for Samsung to infuse fresh innovation. This professional will spearhead the process of identifying startups, executing comprehensive market analysis, undertaking due diligence, and performing intricate financial modeling. The position is based at our Mountain View office.
Ideal candidates will possess a robust technical acumen, possibly supplemented by consultancy or prior experience in Venture Capital/Corporate Venture Capital (VC/CVC). It's imperative for the candidate to ideate strategies that foster mutual growth for both Samsung and associated startups. An inherent passion for innovation and an inquisitive mindset are quintessential. This role provides a pivotal platform to deeply explore specific technologies, influence Samsung's innovative trajectory, and broaden the tech ecosystem via venture capital initiatives.
An auxiliary facet of this position involves championing the Samsung Ventures brand. Through proactive networking with startups and other VC/CVC entities, this role will augment Samsung Ventures' market presence, articulating its unique value proposition to the wider industry ecosystem.
Position Responsibilities:
- Source and identify promising early-stage and growth-stage AI companies across various subsectors (e.g., computer vision, natural language processing, robotics)
- Conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential investments, including market analysis, financial modeling, competitive landscape evaluation, and technical assessment of the AI technology
- Work closely with our headquarter teams and business units to align investment strategies and objectives
- Aid in deal execution, including term sheet negotiation and closing
- Actively participate in investment committee discussions and present investment recommendations with strong analytical and financial backing
- Partner with portfolio companies post-investment, providing strategic guidance and leveraging your network to support their growth
- Stay current on emerging trends, technologies, and market dynamics within the AI industry
- Contribute to refining the firm's investment thesis and identifying new AI subsectors with high potential
Required Skills:
- 12 years of experience in venture capital or a related field; and/or 12 years of experience in a technical role involved with AI technologies
- Masters degree in CS/EE preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Strong technical background in computer science, engineering or a related field
- Deep understanding of the AI landscape and its various subsectors
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to a diverse audience
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Passion for innovation and a strong desire to be at the forefront of the AI revolution
