As Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm and one of the most active investors on the eastern seaboard, CI has a portfolio of 220+ companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology and climate tech. CI meets with hundreds of companies every year, identifying the most promising early-stage companies looking to grow in the state. Every year, CI invests in 20+ new companies, in addition to providing follow-on capital to existing portfolio companies. CI also invests as a Limited Partner in outside venture funds based in CT (17 in the past 6 years
CI has invested $675+ million in innovative startups since 1995
CI's leveraging power is 10X, or $6.7 billion
CI invested $48.7 million in 81 companies and venture funds in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. CI's investments also attracted an additional $1.1 billion in outside capital into its portfolio companies. This fiscal year generated $35 million in cash proceeds through company exits, which includes acquisitions and IPOs, which will allow CI to invest in more early-stage companies in the future.
Our culture is vibrant, diverse, collaborative, and inclusive. We embrace perspective and have mission alignment on our impact to Connecticut's innovation ecosystem. We host or participate in over 20 ecosystem events per year, and our headquarters at The District in New Haven is a catalyst for partnership and an innovation ecosystem community hub.
Four (4) Week Internship
An internship with CI is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable venture capital experience in a small team, innovative work environment. Working side-by-side with CI's CEO and senior level staff members, you will collaborate on key projects and processes. You will also shadow the CEO and senior level staff members at key stakeholder meetings across the innovation ecosystem.
We are seeking Bachelor's degree and MBA students with a strong interest in venture capital with a desire to match her/his academic work with professional work experience. Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating curriculum, research and/or practical experience alignment with our mission and enrolled in a Connecticut College or University or a resident of Connecticut.
Responsibilities may include:
Data collection and analysis on prospective investments
Cash flow modeling for individual projects, programs, or investments
Sourcing potential investments though online research and in person visits
with initial assessments of applicant's business plans in relation to CI investment criteria
Assistance with regard to "due diligence" activities to obtain and analyze pertinent information relative to the applicant's management, market, technology, products, competitors, financial history and projections, and business strategy and plan
Assistance in preparing analyses and presentations to the CI Investment Committee
Assistance with investment monitoring activities such as financial analysis, market research, etc.
Participation in lead generation, business development activities
Prepare research and presentations for Board of Director and other key stakeholder meetings
Attend CI-sponsored events
Assist with special projects in various departments as needed
Skills & Competencies
High personal passion for a fast-developing innovation ecosystem
Detailed, action-oriented person who takes initiative to follow-up on items
Project management and organization skills to solicit and follow up on meetings
Communicate comfortably with a wide range of stakeholders
Ability to synthesize data into a compelling story
A seeker and learner mentality and someone that likes to laugh
Connecticut Innovations is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.