Senior Associate - Oval Park Capital
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina (Hybrid: 3-4 days in-office/week)
Type: Full-time, Permanent
ABOUT OVAL PARK CAPITAL
Oval Park Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm on a mission to back breakthrough physical and industrial technology startups solving some of the world's most critical challenges. Based in Raleigh, NC, we primarily invest across the Southeast and other overlooked ecosystems, leveraging a contrarian approach to find value where others may not. We target industries such as:
- Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
- AI Infrastructure & Computing
- Climate Tech & Sustainability
- Healthcare Data & Interoperability
- Robotics & Automation
- Other mission-critical solutions
Since our founding in 2018, we've raised two core funds and more than 10 co-investment vehicles, deploying over $60 million in 19 portfolio companies. Our "early and active" model means we roll up our sleeves from day one, helping founders navigate growth, challenges, and strategic planning. We've already seen strong exits and no shutdowns, underscoring our commitment to supporting resilient businesses from the ground up.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE ROLE
This Senior Associate role is Partner-track, offering a unique opportunity for significant impact in a growing firm. You will work directly with our Managing Partner, alongside other investment professionals and Operating Partners, to execute investments and support portfolio companies post-investment. From sourcing deals to attending board meetings, you will gain hands-on experience that broadens your perspective and shapes your career trajectory.
Ideal candidates are self-starters who thrive in an often unstructured, fast-paced environment. This role combines rigorous due diligence with the creativity of partnering closely with founders to build successful, high-growth companies. If you want to be a genuine thought partner-beyond just financial analysis-Oval Park could be the perfect fit.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-Deal Sourcing & Pipeline Development
- Network strategically with founders, accelerators, and venture partners
- Research industry trends, under-the-radar markets, and emerging technologies
- Build and maintain a steady flow of early-stage investment opportunities
-Investment Evaluation & Due Diligence
- Lead analytical efforts (market sizing, competitor mapping, technology/IP assessment)
- Conduct customer calls, build financial models with sensitivity analyses
- Craft well-reasoned investment theses and present to the team
-Investment Memos & Deal Execution
- Synthesize findings into thorough memos, highlighting risks and upside
- Collaborate with counsel to navigate term sheets, structures, and closing processes
- Negotiate deal terms and coordinate definitive documentation
-Founder Support & Portfolio Value-Add
- Provide strategic and operational guidance (go-to-market, budgeting, KPI tracking)
- Connect portfolio companies with customers, investors, and industry experts
- Attend board meetings as a Board Member or Observer, contributing to key decisions
-Portfolio Management & Governance
- Track performance metrics, unit economics, and cash runway
- Assist with quarterly reporting, valuations, and capital calls
- Maintain strong relationships with company leadership and help drive best practices
-Market Research & Thesis Development
- Explore emerging verticals like advanced manufacturing, AI/ML, climate tech, and robotics
- Produce thematic frameworks to inform future investments
- Present findings to refine Oval Park's contrarian approach
-Fundraising & Investor Relations
- Support the Managing Partner in raising future funds and preparing data rooms
- Provide updates to current and prospective Limited Partners
- Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders
-Internal Operations & Firm Building
- Enhance internal systems (CRM, pipeline tracking, knowledge repositories)
- Mentor interns/analysts; represent Oval Park at conferences and in written content
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
-3-5+ years of relevant experience, including:
- 1-2 years in investment banking, consulting, corporate development, or startup operations/founding
- 1-2 years in venture capital, growth equity, or private equity (early-stage familiarity preferred)
-Strong analytical/financial capabilities: Excel modeling, projections, scenario analyses, cap table work
-First-principles, contrarian thinker: Able to assess deals on fundamentals over market momentum
-Exceptional communication: Clearly written memos and comfort engaging with founders and executives
-Hustle & resourcefulness: Self-directed, able to juggle multiple projects in a lean environment
-Integrity & sound judgment: Trustworthy, ethical, and adept at making principled decisions
-Team-oriented: Committed to collaborating, sharing insights, and contributing to a supportive culture
-Passion for technology & mission: Motivated by cutting-edge industrial and physical tech solutions
-Education & Logistics:
- Bachelor's degree (MBA, MS, or CFA a plus)
- Willingness to relocate to Raleigh, NC, and travel occasionally
OUR VALUES
- Founder-First Partnership: We co-create success with entrepreneurs, grounded in trust.
- Contrarian Conviction: We explore overlooked markets with data-driven rigor over hype.
- Active Value-Add: Strategic and operational support beyond capital investment.
- Integrity & Accountability: Ethical decisions, honored commitments, transparent operations.
- Work Ethic & Fulfillment: Continuous learning, collective achievement, and shared passion.
WHAT WE OFFER
-High-Impact Role
- As a senior team member, you'll shape both investment and operational outcomes
- Your work directly affects founders' success and the firm's trajectory
-Mentorship & Growth
- Direct access to the Managing Partner and investment committees
- Broad exposure to fund strategy, operations, and governance
- Clear path toward a Partner role as you develop
-Entrepreneurial Environment
- Startup-like culture encouraging innovation and ownership
- Flexibility to propose and test new ideas, learning from outcomes
-Competitive Compensation
- Market-aligned base salary, performance-based bonus
- Carried interest grants in our funds for long-term upside
- Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, retirement), plus relocation support
-Mission & Impact
- Shape the future of deep-tech solutions solving pressing global challenges
- Work with visionary founders at the cutting edge of technology
HOW TO APPLY
Ready to join our mission-driven VC team? Please submit:
- Resume/CV detailing relevant experience
- Cover Letter describing your fit, motivation, and alignment with our values
Use the subject line "Senior Associate Application - Your Name " and send your materials to . We review applications on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates will be contacted regarding interviews and a potential case study.
JOIN US
Help drive the next wave of industrial and physical deep-tech innovation. We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to Oval Park Capital.