Venture Debt Originator

Vice President / Director, Venture Debt Originator

ATEL Ventures is expanding its venture debt platform and is seeking a Vice President / Director, Venture Debt Originator to independently source, structure, and close non‑dilutive capital solutions for high‑growth technology and life sciences companies.

This is an opportunity for an experienced originator to operate with real autonomy on a well‑capitalized, long‑standing platform—backed by nearly five decades of disciplined specialty finance experience and consistent access to capital.

About ATEL Ventures

ATEL Capital Group, headquartered in San Francisco, is a specialty finance company with deep expertise in venture lending and equipment leasing. Since 1977, ATEL has owned and managed more than $1 billion in equipment across multiple cycles.

Launched in 1999, ATEL Ventures provides venture debt and equipment‑backed financing to emerging growth companies across information technology, life sciences, sustainable energy, materials science, agtech, and specialty industries. Our approach emphasizes long‑term relationships, thoughtful underwriting, and reliable execution.

The Role

As Vice President / Director, Venture Debt Originator, you will own your own origination pipeline—sourcing, structuring, and executing venture debt transactions that support the growth of venture‑backed companies while aligning with ATEL’s credit philosophy.

You will act as a trusted financing partner to founders and venture investors, representing ATEL across the venture ecosystem.

This role is best suited for an originator who has already built relationships within the venture ecosystem and is comfortable owning deals end-to-end.

What You’ll Do

• Originate venture debt opportunities through founder relationships, venture capital firms, and intermediaries
• Structure and negotiate venture debt and equipment‑backed financings tailored to client growth needs
• Manage transactions from initial sourcing through credit approval and closing
• Build long‑term relationships with founders, executives, and venture capital partners
• Execute ATEL’s venture debt strategy by consistently sourcing high‑quality, risk‑adjusted opportunities

What Success Looks Like

• You develop a sustainable, repeatable origination pipeline
• You become a go‑to financing partner for founders and venture investors
• You close transactions efficiently while maintaining disciplined credit standards
• You contribute to the continued growth and reputation of ATEL Ventures’ platform

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or related field
• Demonstrated experience independently originating venture debt or closely related growth‑stage financings
• Strong understanding of venture‑backed company capital structures and non‑dilutive financing
• Proven ability to independently source and close transactions

Skills & Attributes

• Strong relationship‑building and consultative sales skills
• Ability to clearly explain complex financing structures to founders and investors
• Financial statement and cash‑flow analysis expertise
• Highly organized, self‑directed, and results‑oriented
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM tools preferred

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office‑based and requires the ability to perform the following with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing, with colleagues, clients, and external partners
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching
• Ability to lift and carry items such as laptops, files, or materials weighing up to approximately 15 pounds
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, conferences, or client visits

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the role.

Compensation & Benefits

ATEL offers a competitive base salary plus an uncapped, performance‑driven commission structure, with earnings directly tied to individual production. The expected base salary range for this role is $150,000 to $225,000, with total compensation inclusive of uncapped incentive compensation dependent on individual performance. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and market factors.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, pre‑tax commuter benefits, and a 401(k) with a generous employer match.

Why ATEL

• Established Platform: Nearly 50 years of specialty finance experience
• Reliable Capital: Well‑capitalized with disciplined, consistent execution
• Reputation: Long‑standing relationships across the venture ecosystem
• Autonomy & Upside: A performance‑oriented role with meaningful earning potential
• Impact: Help innovative companies access non‑dilutive capital to scale