Junior Investment Associate – Corporate Venture Capital

About the role

Idemitsu Innovation Europe AG is building a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) team in Basel to accelerate investments in startups and strategic partnerships that support Idemitsu Kosan’s transformation strategy. As a Junior Investment Associate you will help shape a corporate venture and open‑innovation platform within a large, global energy and materials company.

Key responsibilities

• Scout, evaluate and promote partnerships with innovative startups, primarily in Europe and the US.
• Identify and assess startups in target business areas and report findings to Investment Managers.
• Build and maintain relationships with the Zurich venture‑capital partner and other key stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with portfolio companies, acting as a primary contact and providing support.
• Assist in commercial and investment negotiations, including licensing agreements.
• Articulate business value of opportunities to internal stakeholders, aligning with Idemitsu’s strategy and culture.

Required profile

• University degree, preferably a Master’s in Science or Engineering.
• Strong interest in developing a commercial career.
• Experience collaborating with startups, academia, or Japanese companies/culture.
• Results‑driven, flexible, and able to meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent networking and communication skills; culturally sensitive and comfortable working in international teams.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); business fluency in Japanese is a plus.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a global, innovative environment.
• Exposure to venture‑capital investment processes and strategic partnerships.
• Collaboration with teams in Basel and Tokyo, bridging cultural differences.