About Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN):

LaunchTN is a 501c3 nonprofit partnership building an ecosystem of support for every startup and investor in Tennessee. As a public-private partnership, we are uniquely positioned to provide direct investment while also supporting collaboration among founders, investors, researchers, private sector institutions, and government. We foster entrepreneurship, technology advancement, and workforce development by providing capital access, commercialization support, and connections.

A key LaunchTN initiative is InvestTN, a venture capital program designed to make catalytic, equity-based investments into high-growth, Tennessee-based startups. The InvestTN fund requires founders to secure a minimum 1:1 private capital match from investors, fostering a growing ecosystem of early-stage investment and innovation across the state.

Our core values

• Not just thinking outside the box, but breaking it
• Putting people first in everything we do
• Going further together through collaboration
• Being accessible and welcoming always
• Being driven to serve
• Life’s too short not to love what you do!

Position overview

Title: Capital Associate Reports to: Chief Investment Officer

This position serves on LaunchTN’s Capital team and will play an integral role in the continuing deployment of the InvestTN Fund, serving Tennessee’s startups and entrepreneurs. Performing due diligence and managing a growing pipeline of early-stage startups are key aspects of the role. This is primarily an in-office role (Nashville, TN) with some remote flexibility.

The Capital Associate will be crucial in furthering LaunchTN’s mission of making Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the nation by collaborating and networking with our ecosystem partners throughout the state. As such, regional travel will be required, and the ideal candidate must have reliable transportation.

Key responsibilities

The Capital Associate will be responsible for a dynamic range of tasks, with a primary focus on due diligence, applicant management, and stakeholder engagement.

Due Diligence

• Meet with founders interested in funding through InvestTN to explain our application process and conduct due diligence.
• Conduct in-depth research on prospective companies and draft detailed investment memos for deal analysis and internal review at the monthly Investment Committee meeting.Associates can expect to have introductory meetings with 5-10 new companies per month. Ultimately responsible for drafting 2-3 detailed investment memos per month.

Ecosystem & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as an ambassador for the InvestTN Fund and build awareness of the program across Tennessee by participating in events such as the virtual InvestTN “Ask Me Anything” events, the Southeast Capital Call, SXSW Tennessee House, 3686, and more.
• Develop strong working relationships with the Regional Entrepreneur Centers across the state.

Program & Administration support

• Manage the InvestTN applicant pipeline by screening investment candidates, communicating the process and timeline of the InvestTN program to founders, and collaborating with Capital Team members to prioritize investment opportunities.
• Manage a high volume of internal and external communications, primarily through email correspondence.

The Capital Associate is expected to plan and execute all responsibilities with a view towards…

• Maximizing both the financial and economic development goals of the InvestTN program.
• Exercising creative, critical, and strategic thinking through deal analysis.
• Collaborating and seeking feedback before taking action to build trust amongst the team and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Being decisive, proactive, and action-oriented.

Required qualifications

• 4-Year Bachelor’s degree.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to conduct thorough market research, analysis, and due diligence.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Team-oriented and service-minded, with a passion for early-stage innovation in Tennessee.
• Proficiency in Airtable and Google Suite.

Preferred qualifications

• 1-2 years of work experience in venture capital or a startup.
• Strong relationship skills with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Comfortable and confident in public-facing / networking environments.
• Excellent work ethic; ability to work both collaboratively and independently while managing multiple projects.
• Interest in expanding experience and knowledge about venture capital, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

What success will look like

In the first 3 months

• Developed a clear understanding of the InvestTN investment thesis and SSBCI program compliance requirements.
• Conducted due diligence on multiple companies; presenting at least four companies/investment memos to the Investment Committee.
• Assumed full ownership of the InvestTN Pipeline and independently managing the status of all application submissions.

Compensation & perks

• Salary Pay Range: $56–65K, based on experience and qualifications
• Healthcare: LaunchTN covers 80% of individual/partner/family health, dental, and vision insurance through the State of Tennessee
• 401(K) Retirement: Flat 8% employer contribution
• Disability Insurance: 100% employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage
• Paid Time Off: 4 weeks PTO + federal holidays + office closure from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day + day off for your birthday
• Other Perks: $90/month cell phone stipend, $50/month wellness stipend, pet-friendly office, and flexible remote work options

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form here and attach a resume or CV.

Selected candidates will be invited to a first-round interview with the hiring manager. Finalists will be asked to provide a writing or work sample relevant to the position and participate in a panel interview with other LaunchTN team members. References will be requested prior to extending an offer. Our goal is to make a final hiring decision within four weeks of posting the position.