Job Description

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Purpose of Role

About the Company:

E2 Investments (Pty) LTD ("E Squared") is an impact investor that operates in the venture capital and private equity sector that invests in and partners with pre-seed to growth stage ventures to nurture entrepreneurial talent and accelerate financial and social returns across all sectors. Our investment philosophy centres on providing financial and non-financial support to enterprises that meaningfully attack poverty, unemployment, and inequality, while generating strong commercial returns.



We seek to combine capital, capacity building, and catalytic partnerships to help founders thrive and scale ventures that can change the African economic landscape for the better.

Job Summary:

We are looking for a highly skilled and dynamic Venture Builder to support the growth of our pre-seed portfolio ventures. As a key member of our team, you will work closely with founders to provide strategic guidance, operational support, and hands-on assistance to scale early-stage businesses. You will be responsible for evaluating pre-seed investment-ready ventures, implementing growth strategies and fostering a collaborative ecosystem to ensure the success of our portfolio.



This role requires someone who thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and can seamlessly transition from strategic thinking to tactical execution. As a Venture Builder, you will be instrumental in the day-to-day management of ventures, identifying opportunities, and ensuring that ventures meet key milestones and growth objectives.

Why Join E Squared Investments?

Impact-Driven Mission:

Join a team committed to creating lasting social impact through venture investments.

Collaborative Environment:

Work with a diverse, dynamic team of professionals who are passionate about scaling high-impact ventures.

Career Growth:

Opportunities for personal and professional development in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Competitive Compensation:

A competitive salary and benefits package, including performance-based incentives.
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Objectives of Role

Portfolio Management:

Conduct critical evaluations of pre-seed investment-ready ventures to identify gaps and areas for intervention to support growth. Provide hands-on guidance and strategic advice, acting as a 'co-founder' to help ventures refine business models, implement go-to-market strategies, and achieve operational excellence. Project manage ventures through their growth stages, ensuring development plans and key activities are executed effectively and on time. Assist ventures in scaling their resources and operations to meet growing demand. Support ventures by introducing relevant third-party service providers and partners, facilitating ecosystem connections to accelerate growth.

Capital Deployment:

Identify high-potential ventures for investment, ensuring that pre-seed capital is deployed efficiently to maximize growth and impact. Ensure that each venture aligns with our investment strategy and demonstrates a clear pathway to scalability.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Foster and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, service providers, mentors, and ecosystem partners. Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to strengthen partner relationships and identify new investment opportunities. Continuously assess and support ventures in achieving investment readiness and scaling effectively.

Operational Support:

Provide operational leadership to ventures, assisting with areas such as financial management, team building, product development, and market expansion. Leverage your expertise in entrepreneurship/consulting/investment management to guide ventures through challenges and key decisions. Track and report on venture performance, aligning with key metrics and ensuring continuous monitoring to adapt strategies as needed.

Training & Coaching:

Build effective teams by assisting ventures in recruiting key talent and providing coaching on leadership, management, and team dynamics. Develop and deliver training materials that help ventures build their internal capabilities and prepare for future growth.

Impact and Value Creation:

Integrate impact considerations into every aspect of venture development, ensuring that ventures align with E Squared's mission to drive positive social and environmental outcomes. Develop and implement strategies that balance financial returns with measurable impact, ensuring ventures create both value and sustainability.
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Experience and Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Business Science, Engineering, Management, Accounting & Finance, or a related field (a Master's or MBA is preferred). Up to 8 years of experience in entrepreneurship, consulting, or finance & investment management, with a proven track record in early-stage venture building. Experience managing or advising ventures at the pre-seed or seed stage, particularly in high-growth environments. Strong commercial acumen and knowledge of venture funding, capital deployment, and growth strategies. Familiarity with impact investing and creating sustainable, socially responsible businesses. Ability to understand and interpret financial statements, management accounts and cash flows
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Competencies

Core Competencies:

Business Acumen:

Strong knowledge of business operations, strategy development, and competitive market dynamics.

Entrepreneurship:

Ability to identify and create new opportunities, innovate within existing frameworks, and lead ventures through uncertainty.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, service providers, and government bodies.

Problem-Solving:

Strong analytical skills, with the ability to break down complex problems and devise practical solutions.

Leadership:

Experience in leading and coaching teams, fostering collaboration, and building effective partnerships.

Commercial Awareness:

In-depth understanding of industry trends, financial management, and business performance metrics.

Behavioural Competencies:

Dealing with Ambiguity:

Comfort with risk and uncertainty, with the ability to make decisions and take action despite incomplete information.

Judgement & Discernment:

Ability to make sound, well-informed decisions and weigh various options in complex scenarios. *

Influence:

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others without imposing decisions.