The Innovation & Enterprise (I&E) Group drives the translation of A.STAR's research into real-world impact. A key pathway is the creation of globally investible startups/spin-offs built on intellectual property developed by A.STAR researchers.
Within I&E, the Venture Creation & Growth team manages the full lifecycle of these spin-offs - from venture creation and growth acceleration to eventual exit - across sectors such as therapeutics, medtech, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, decarbonization, and AI.
We are seeking a highly driven and analytically rigorous Portfolio Manager to support the oversight and value creation of a portfolio of deep tech spin-offs. The role combines portfolio analytics, governance, venture support, and divestment execution.
The successful candidate will work closely with spin-off founders, internal stakeholders, and external investors to monitor performance, enhance value creation, and manage exit processes.
Key Responsibilities
1. Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting
- Track key performance metrics including funds raised and revenues across the spin-off portfolio
- Prepare consolidated internal reports for senior management
- Identify early risk signals and escalate material issues
- Maintain and continuously improve portfolio dashboards and data systems
- Support appointment and renewal of Corporate Representatives
- Attend to shareholder matters, including shareholder resolutions, shareholder agreements and deal structuring for equity deals.
2. Portfolio Valuation
- Lead the annual valuation exercise for the spin-off portfolio for financial statement reporting
- Apply appropriate valuation methodologies (VC method, comparables, DCF where relevant)
- Coordinate inputs from spin-offs and finance teams
- Ensure audit-ready documentation and governance compliance
3. Governance & Committee Secretariat
- Serve as Secretariat for the Portfolio Management Committee
- Prepare meeting materials and portfolio updates
- Track action items and ensure timely follow-up with stakeholders
- Appointment or renewal of suitable Board directors for portfolio companies
4. Value Creation & Venture Support
- Support selected spin-offs in fundraising preparation, go-to-market strategy development, and commercialisation planning
- Identify and appoint suitable mentors, advisors, or board observers where appropriate
- Connect spin-offs to investors and industry partners for funding and revenue opportunities
5. Divestment & Exit Management
- Identify and evaluate divestment opportunities (IPO, trade sale, secondary sale)
- Support transaction execution in collaboration with legal and finance teams
- Prepare internal approval papers and manage stakeholder communications
6. Portfolio Events & Stakeholder Engagement
- Organise the Annual Portfolio Conference
- Coordinate investor engagement sessions and portfolio showcases
Ideal Candidate Profile
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Science, or related field
- MBA, CFA, or relevant postgraduate qualification is advantageous
Experience (5 to 10 years preferred)
Experience in one or more of the following:
- Venture capital or corporate venture capital portfolio management
- Technology transfer office (TTO) or university spin-off management
- Investment banking (M&A / ECM)
- Startup operations or fundraising
- Deep tech commercialisation
- Experience working with early-stage, IP-heavy or deep tech companies is preferred.
Core Competencies
Analytical & Financial Skills
- Strong valuation capabilities and some working knowledge of financial modelling
- Ability to interpret startup financials and unit economics
- Comfortable analysing incomplete or imperfect data
Governance & Process Discipline
- Highly organised and detail-oriented
- Strong documentation and reporting capabilities
- Familiar with board processes and committee governance
Venture & Commercial Acumen
- Understanding of startup fundraising dynamics and investor expectations
- Ability to assess technology risk vs commercial readiness
- Exposure to IPO and M&A processes is a strong plus
Stakeholder Management
- Able to engage credibly with founders, researchers, investors, and senior executives
- Confident but diplomatic
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Personal Attributes
- Structured thinker with strong execution discipline
- Commercially astute with an appreciation of institutional considerations
- Comfortable working across both technical and financial domains
- High integrity and discretion (handling sensitive valuation and exit discussions)
- Self-starter who can operate with moderate autonomy
