Overview:

As an individual company that’s part of global Honda – Honda Innovations Silicon Valley, Inc. supports all the disruptive technologies Honda is working on behind the scenes as the company helps shape the mobility ecosystem of the future. Joining Honda Innovations strategic investment and partnership program, Honda Xcelerator Ventures, means you’ll be responsible for supercharging all business units within global Honda, from R&D to new business development.

This is a full-time position aligned with the candidate’s academic background in science, engineering, or related fields. The position is initially offered for a 6–12 month term, providing the candidate with an opportunity to apply their academic training in a professional setting. During this time, the employee will contribute meaningfully to investment and innovation activities and receive performance feedback. Based on performance and business needs, there may be an opportunity to extend the role or convert into a long-term Honda Associate position.

Based in Boston, the role will require engagement with investors, entrepreneurs, and the innovation ecosystem in the Northeast region of the USA and Canada to source and propose unique technology and business opportunities for investment and collaboration within Honda. Being a “super-connector” and a helpful member of the venture community, you see industry trends as they emerge and bring opportunities to Honda. 70% of your work will focus on sourcing, identifying, proposing, and leading strategic investment opportunities with the Corporate Venturing team. 30% of your time will focus on network expansion and brand awareness for the Northeast Coast region of the US and Canada.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Source Honda-relevant flow through database tools (Pitchbook, Crunchbase, etc.) and personal network of Venture Capital (VC) Firms, Corporate Venture Capital (CVCs) Firms, startups, and related entities.
• Identify high-quality investment opportunities involving transformational technologies strategic to Honda’s business and products from your sourced deals.
• Create and present investment proposals bi-weekly to the Honda Xcelerator Ventures team.
• Lead the internal investment process for selected deals.
• Perform initial due diligence including market potential, technical strength, financial viability, and team, by gathering information from the target company, industry experts, and other sources.
• Be the primary interface and support for portfolio companies.
• Develop, broaden, and strengthen your network of VC/CVC’s startups, and related entities.
• Support internal open innovation Startup collaborations as necessary.
• Support Honda Xcelerator Ventures Branding activity at industry events with the ability to participate in panel sessions, startup judging, and reverse pitch opportunities.
• Have expertise in 2 or more technological vertical domains relevant to Honda.
• Apply knowledge obtained through academic programs to assess technical and market viability of investment opportunities, perform due diligence, and support startup collaborations.

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or related field.

Field of Expertise

Corporate Venture Capital (CVC), Corporate Open Innovations, or Venture Capital (VC) investment with an exceptional understanding in several technology verticals for initial due diligence assessment.

Skills and Experience

• 2-3 years’ experience on a CVC or VC team.
• Extensive CVC/VC network on the East Coast particularly in Boston.
• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple work streams.
• Proven track record in sourcing, proposing, and closing early-stage investments.
• Expert knowledge in one or more of the following domains: CASE (Connected, Automated, Shared and Electrified) Mobility, Energy, Climate Tech, Clean Tech, AI HW and SW, Robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
• Ability to quickly ramp up technical knowledge in new areas.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Must be a team player who values relationships and people.
• Passionate about leveraging new technologies to create new experiences, improve human mobility, and bring joy to customers.
• Driven and proactive, with an ability to adapt to dynamic circumstances and thrive even with ambiguity.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master’s degree in science or engineering and/or an MBA.
• Corporate development experience.
• 5 or more fully executed investment deals.

The position will be remote-based in the Boston Area with 3 months training required in Mountain View, CA.

Domestic and international travel up to 30% may be required.