Saluda Grade Ventures – Associate

Role Description: We are seeking a highly motivated Ventures Associate to join our team and work closely with the investment, marketing, and finance functions to support the firm’s private equity investments in alternative asset originators, fintech platforms and related services business. This is a dynamic, hands-on role with significant exposure across the full investment lifecycle, including sourcing, diligence, execution, portfolio management, and fundraising. 

The Ventures Associate will play a key role in evaluating and executing new investment opportunities while also supporting value creation initiatives across the existing portfolio. The role offers meaningful responsibility, consistent direct interaction with senior team members, and the opportunity to contribute to a growing platform as the firm continues to deploy capital out of its third fund and expand its investment strategy. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Investment Sourcing & Thematic Research: Identify and evaluate new investment opportunities across the alternative lending and fintech landscape through proactive outreach, market mapping, and development of differentiated investment theses  
• Investment Analysis & Financial Modeling: Build and maintain detailed financial models to assess investment opportunities, analyze risk/return profiles, and support decision-making; evaluate unit economics, scalability, and business model durability  
• Due Diligence & Deal Execution: Support all aspects of transaction execution, including coordinating due diligence, conducting market analysis, preparing investment committee memoranda, and assisting in structuring and negotiating transactions alongside internal and external stakeholders  
• Portfolio Management & Value Creation: Monitor portfolio company performance and partner with management teams to support strategic initiatives, including growth planning, capital structure optimization, and operational improvements  
• Fundraising & Investor Relations: Assist in the preparation of marketing materials and investor communications; support fundraising efforts, including participation in investor meetings and relationship development  
• Fund Operations & Reporting: Support fund-level financial reporting, including quarter-end valuation processes, portfolio analytics, and preparation of investor reporting materials  
• Relationship Development: Build and maintain relationships with founders, executives, intermediaries, and investors to enhance sourcing efforts and expand the firm’s network within the ecosystem  

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field  
• 2–5 years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years in an investment banking Analyst or Associate role  
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills, with experience evaluating corporate financial statements and building valuation analyses (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions)  
• Demonstrated ability synthesizing complex information and communicating key insights clearly (verbally and in writing)  
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills  
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams  
• Proactive, self-directed, and comfortable operating with a high degree of responsibility  
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; additional technical or data analysis skills are a plus  

Salary Range: Base salary range of $120,000 – $160,000, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus. 

This position is based in NYC at Saluda Grade’s midtown office. 

Please contact people@saludagrade.com with any questions and applications.