Associate, Investment Analysis (Student Position)
Startup Wildcats is seeking four highly motivated student Associates to join us for Summer 2025. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting startup due diligence and supporting early-stage investment decisions for the Wildcat Philanthropic Seed Fund, a new $5M pre-seed/seed fund focused on startups with strong ties to the University of Arizona.
Associates will work closely with university leadership and fellow students to analyze real startup investment opportunities, collaborate on diligence research, and prepare high-quality investment memos and recommendations for a professional Investment Committee. This is a high-expectation, high-opportunity role for students passionate about entrepreneurship, investing, or startup innovation.
What You’ll Do
- Participate in evaluating active startup applications to the Wildcat Seed Fund
- Conduct primary and secondary research across key diligence dimensions (market, team, traction, product, business model, etc.)
- Join or lead diligence interviews with startup founders
- Support deal sourcing efforts by identifying and sharing promising startups and founders within University of Arizona community
- Collaborate with team members to develop structured investment memos and present findings
- Assist with scheduling, meeting prep, founder communications, and documentation
- Apply tools such as the Abaca Investment Readiness framework to guide assessments
- Contribute to a positive, professional, and curious team culture
- Take ownership of small projects or operational tasks as needed
- Support the growth of a thriving, supportive and positive Startup Wildcats community
- Perform administration duties that require basic computing skills, including Word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet navigation and cloud operations.
You Might Be a Good Fit If You...
- Are an undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Arizona (any major, any year)
- Are curious, thoughtful, and excited by startups, investing, or innovation
- Enjoy research, analysis, writing, and making sense of ambiguity
- Communicate clearly and professionally — both in writing and conversation
- Take initiative, follow through, and thrive in collaborative environments
- Want to build real-world experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, or related fields
- Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications
- Prior experience with startups, investing, business analysis, or research
- Relevant coursework in entrepreneurship, finance, business, or related fields
- Familiarity with tools like Excel, PowerPoint, PitchBook, Crunchbase, and collaboration platforms
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a small, fast-moving team
What You’ll Gain
- Real exposure to early-stage investing and startup ecosystems
- Mentorship, training, and support from experienced practitioners
- Professional skills in research, analysis, communications, and presentation
- The chance to contribute meaningfully to a new, high-impact fund
- A supportive team culture committed to growth, curiosity, and excellence
To Apply
Please submit application on Handshake (Job # 9847670) and a resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest in the role and any relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline to apply is April 28, 2025.