Venture Creation Lead

Discovery Partners Institute

Posting Category:

The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) empowers people to jumpstart their tech careers or companies in Chicago. Led by the University of Illinois System in partnership with some of the world’s top research institutions, DPI does three things centered around economic development: tech talent development for high-demand tech jobs; applied research and development; and building a stronger tech ecosystem. DPI prepares students and workers to step into high-demand tech jobs. It also builds research teams and matches them with new funding. With state investment and a new innovation district in development, DPI has the resources to attract, develop and leverage the most ambitious people and companies the region has to offer — and keep them here.

DPI is seeking a number of emerging entrepreneurs to take a central role in the development of startup companies based on innovative ideas and technologies developed at University of Illinois System campuses. Venture Creation Leads analyze innovations for technological merit, their ability to disrupt or expand markets, and the competitive business environment they serve. Innovation that exceed expectations and align with one or more of DPI’s investment strategies proceed on a path to new venture formation. The Venture Creation Lead then plays a key role in the company creation process, working with internal and external business, technical, and industry experts to create a sustainable startup company.

The Venture Creation Lead is responsible for aligning technology and innovations from across the University of Illinois System with a strategic industry thesis to identify opportunities for new products and businesses. Working with the Sector Directors on a project basis, the Lead will execute market analysis and opportunity evaluation to define and drive new ventures. There will be the opportunity for Leads to engage in launching the new businesses and possibly joining those new ventures.

The DPI New Business Ventures team is committed to increasing startup company development across the entire University of Illinois System. Our team includes entrepreneurs, senior executives, and experts in all aspects of company building who support, teach, and mentor Venture Creation Leads throughout the new venture development process.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Lead market opportunity analysis for specific venture opportunities
• Map University of Illinois research products for alignment with a specific industry investment thesis.
• Evaluate new technologies and translational capabilities across the $1.2 billion annual research activity at University of Illinois System campuses.
• For specific venture projects, work with faculty and graduate student researchers to evaluate research technologies and capabilities for fit with the industry thesis.
• Work with the Sector Heads to develop startup companies to capitalize on the combination of innovations and market opportunities.
• Partner with the DPI R&D team to shape future research and development to meet the needs of specific investment opportunities.
• Engage with resources across each University of Illinois System campus to support new venture projects, including technology transfer offices, incubators and specialist facilities, and business acceleration programs.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technical, or analytic field required.

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of private sector experience, preferably in a startup environment.
• Financial analysis, corporate development or equity research experience a plus.
• Campus entrepreneurship and Intellectual property licensing transaction experience useful.
• We are looking for a confident, persuasive speaker and writer who can execute on a collaborative team with faculty, senior administrators, entrepreneurs, and investors and industry experts.
• Experience with investing tools (PitchBook, Bloomberg) preferred.
• Demonstrated success in market analysis and opportunity identification and development.

Appointment Information

This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by 6pm 5/10/2023 or visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/employment.

System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing erhr@uillinois.edu.

Requisition ID: req287
Job Category: Academic Professional