Page Image

Page Image

Bridge FundingAssociates Program

The University of Washington’s Center for Commercialization (C4C) has created a unique Bridge Funding Program, as authorized by the state legislature, and supported through a gift from the Washington Research Foundation (WRF). The Program offers educational opportunities for UW students in connection with the W Fund, which is a $20M private venture capital fund with a focus upon earliest stage investment in promising start-ups commercializing research discoveries from UW and other research institutions in Washington.

Up to two Bridge Fund Associate positions are open each year to exceptional UW Foster MBA students with demonstrated interest and engagement in entrepreneurship and/or venture finance. Several other Associate positions are open to 2L UW Law students, and UW Masters and PhD candidates from Engineering, Science and Life Science. Selected applicants will work part time through the academic year as part of the team Bridge Funding Associates to effectively “staff” the W Fund, learning “on the job” about investing in early stage start-up companies formed around technologies developed from UW research and other research institutions in Washington State.

This is a unique practicum opportunity. Associates gain valuable skills in evaluating the feasibility of ideas and strength of early stage investment opportunities, and will grow to provide coaching to start-up teams through their pitch presentations and business strategy development. Associates have an unparalleled opportunity to develop relationships with influential contacts within the regional venture/entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ideal candidates must be highly motivated, well organized, and possess excellent communication and analytical skills. Specific interest and background in a technology sector (Life Science, IT/Software, Engineering, Clean Technology) is highly desirable; knowledge of startups, venture capital, event management and/or marketing are a plus.

Bridge Fund Associates are compensated $17.50 per hour and will provide a level of effort up to 19.5 hours a week. The typical appointment is for a 6-month to 1-year period spanning the academic year--October 2014 to June 2015. The Associates work as a team, and report to supervising C4C staff and W Fund Chief Operating Officer; and also work closely with members of the W Fund’s Investment Committee, a remarkable group of talented venture investors and entrepreneurs from our region. Associates will coordinate all aspects of Fund operations, analyze and prepare business diligence on investment opportunities presented to the W Fund. Associates will also coordinate other bridge funding activities, such as angel group meetings, and other outreach to start-ups and investors in our region.

Associate duties include:

  • Working with Investment Committee members on business due diligence for investment opportunities
  • Providing technical insight into technologies being commercialized by applicant companies
  • Marketing and outreach to possible applicant start-ups
  • Organizational management of a sector-specific Screening Team that reviews and coaches companies seeking investment from the W Fund
  • Providing investment recommendations and proposing deal terms for potential investments
  • Assisting the Fund’s COO and other Associates in daily operations

Qualified and interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume/CV to . Feel free to connect via this email with additional questions.