****Title: Investment Operations Associate, Keyhorse Capital

Company: Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC), specifically the Keyhorse Capital initiative

Reports to: Kelby Price, Managing Partner, Keyhorse Capital

As an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), Keyhorse Capital manages early-stage venture capital funds focused on supporting a thriving community of companies. We provide capital to companies at the earliest stages of their development, giving founders a critical initial runway. We leverage our network of founders, investors, advisors, entrepreneur support organizations, universities, and enterprise partners to help our portfolio companies grow. We work in partnership with other KSTC programs and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and help lead venture development for the Commonwealth.

KSTC is a statewide independent and innovative non-profit and leader in developing and managing creative initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, and economic competitiveness.

Our History

For nearly twenty years, we've focused our work at KSTC on investing in over 230 Kentucky-based companies, providing capital that helps founders achieve their big vision. However, there's still work to do to shorten the path to capital access. We've learned that investors, ourselves included, must meet founders where they are and evolve with them. Funding needs to be more accessible so founders can move faster and build impactful businesses. We are reinforcing our platform and expanding our team so founders can engage with us directly, learn more, and apply for investment with as little friction as possible. We hope to provide founders more visibility into our process and shorten their path to finding funding, allowing us to continue investing in their big ideas.

Our Portfolio

For our primary funds, we have invested more than $60M in 230+ Kentucky-based founders and manage an active portfolio of 145 companies.

Role Overview

The Investment Operations Associate is a linchpin in our organization, tasked with a multifaceted role that entails managing a significant portion of deal flow, especially earlier-stage investments, and supporting the Managing Partner with high-priority deals. The ideal candidate will be adept at handling administrative tasks, managing financial processes, and contributing strategically to the firm's operations in a fast-paced environment.

What you'll be doing alongside our team:

As a small team, we work together across all organization functions, operating at the highest level of compliance while maintaining a founder-friendly reputation. The Investment Operations Associate will carry out duties that could include but are not limited to the following:

Deal Management

Oversee the deal processes, especially earlier-stage investment opportunities, to ensure efficient workflow and alignment with strategic goals. Support the Managing Partner in prioritizing deals, providing comprehensive assistance to streamline operations.

Program Administration, Management and Support

Efficiently manage the Managing Partner's meeting schedules, deals, and special projects using the firm's tech stack, i.e., Google Workspace, Asana, Affinity, Airtable, etc. Block and tackle daily challenges, prioritize tasks, and facilitate project/task delegation across the team.

Financial Oversight

Administer contract renewals/extensions and invoicing, ensuring timely and accurate processing. Manage expenses and reimbursements, administer the budget, and monitor financial health against strategic objectives.

Communication Management

Act as a trusted liaison and point of contact for current and potential portfolio companies, co-investors, Executive Committee, Keyhorse team, KSTC Senior Leadership, and current and potential partners, ensuring that all communication is handled promptly and professionally.

Relationship Management

Proactively outreach with key stakeholders to ensure accurate, consistent, timely reporting, project management, and communications.

Strategic Support

Provide strategic support to the Managing Partner and the broader team, aiding decision-making processes and organizational planning.

Program Development, Launch, and Administration

As Keyhorse Capital continues to grow, it is critical that our programs continue to focus on end-to-end processes, and the Investment Operations Associate will play a key role in refining, launching, maintaining, and iterating KSTC Keyhorse Capital programs and processes. Own project timelines and hold the team accountable.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience leading, or managing operations or investments, or being chief of staff at a venture-backed startup, venture capital firm, or a closely related field and understands the startup fundraising process, closing process, and post-investment practices.
• Ideal candidate deeply understands startup and venture capital terminology, best practices, and industry trends.
• A keen eye for detail, process improvement, documentation, implementation, and iteration to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness, especially as related to startup fundraising, syndication, and venture capital deployment.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management, invoicing, and financial administration.
• Proficiency in task and project management software, CRM systems, alongside MS Office, Google Workspace, Airtable, and more.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to handle sensitive information discreetly.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Our Team & Approach

You'll join a collaborative and hard-working team committed to innovation and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kentucky. We pride ourselves on a founder-first mentality, ensuring a supportive and dynamic environment for our team and portfolio companies.

What's in it for you?

At Keyhorse Capital, you'll be part of a team that's driving innovation, supporting visionary founders, and shaping the future of transformative technologies. You'll have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, contribute your creative ideas, and make a meaningful impact on the startup landscape.

You’ll be a part of building the next level of an established venture firm.

You will have access, flexibility, and the ability to learn about aspects of venture capital investing and post-investment support.

A chance to work alongside a small team of former operators turned venture professionals with a combined 20+ years of venture experience, track record, and experience working across all aspects of venture.

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Location

Flexible, with a preference for candidates in or near Louisville, Lexington, or Northern Kentucky. The position may require some travel and attending (evening) events, predominantly in Kentucky, due to KSTC headquarters being in Lexington and the statewide nature of our clients, and customer base and program-related events.

Salary

$70K to 90K/year + full benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, eye care, life insurance, and retirement benefits.

Application Process

Applications are now being accepted and processed as they are received, with screening for interviews beginning immediately.

KSTC is an equal-opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.