Investment Manager - Founders First Capital Partn

The Investment Manager is responsible for building relationships with entrepreneurs seeking capital and facilitating the internal evaluation process for funding decisions.  As an Investment Manager (an individual contributor) your daily responsibilities revolve around managing leads from the point of handoff from the sales team. Collaborating closely with the Underwriting (UW) team, you will play a pivotal and ownership role in the entire internal funding decision process at Founders First.

The Investment Manager's work encompasses a range of tasks, including meticulous review of initial financial documentation, and engaging in exploratory conversations to gain deeper insights into the business. In addition to supporting the UW team throughout the due diligence process, you will actively contribute to internal operational improvements and assist the finance and UW teams in meeting post-funding service requirements.

This role extends beyond the initial funding as you will be required to proactively seek opportunities for follow-on investments. You will collaborate with various teams, the underwriting team, marketing, sales, and finance. This collaborative approach allows the Investment Manager to stay engaged with the entire lifecycle of funding deals, operational improvements, and the ongoing management of borrowers through our servicing portal.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of prospect borrower relationships, from post-qualification (handoff from sales team), through each stage of potential funded of a deal
• Primary point of contact with borrowers, requiring excellent communication, follow up, adherence to SLAs and coordination of required meetings
• Collaborate with Regional Manager, Business Development, and Marketing teams to review and analyze qualified opportunities with required financials to determine viability for funding
• Participate in regular team meetings and contribute insights to optimize processes and enhance overall efficiency.
• Partner with the Underwriting Team to complete exploratory calls with qualified business opportunities and contribute to the preparation/ analysis for internal review
• Provide constructive and detailed feedback to borrowers when necessary, offering insights and guidance for improvement.
• Responsible for timely communication between business unit stakeholders and small businesses seeking capital to continue moving funding opportunities to close.

• Track KPIs and maintain diligent records/contact reporting in Salesforce
• Proactive identification for follow on funding opportunities, based on strong understanding of borrower business/needs and understanding/monitoring of growth.
• Stay informed about industry trends and developments, leveraging this knowledge to contribute to strategic discussions.

Qualifications Needed for Success

• Minimum of a college degree, bachelor’s degree preferred
• At least 3+ years of experience in business development
• Preferred prior experience with Venture Capital, bank and/or other lending institutions
• Preferred 3-years of hands-on experience driving performance using Sales Management methodologies and processes, preferably Salesforce and Sandler sales management methodology
• Strong business acumen, financial acumen and detail orientation
• Proficient using CRM technology systems (preferably Salesforce) for pipeline management and reporting tool
• Basic to intermediate understanding of underwriting principles
• Strong sense of accountability for tasks and projects, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Experience collaborating with marketing staff to develop effective sales channels
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to details
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, adaptability and commitment
• Vested interest in supporting companies led by underrepresented entrepreneurs and contributing to a more inclusive business landscape.

Benefits:

• Stock option plan
• 401(k) plan
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off

Our Commitment to DEI: At Founders First, our mission is to solve racial and social economic equity gaps that prevent businesses led by diverse founders from growing profits, premium wage jobs and wealth creation in their communities. This means we continually celebrate the diverse community and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply! For more information please see: www.FoundersFirstCapitalPartners.com