Johannesburg, South Africa | Posted on 16/11/2023 Job Description Job Purpose: Reporting to the Venture Architect, the Venture Associate will support a team and partners in developing and driving the successful implementation of a new venture in an identified target ecosystem, creating new product offerings and channels that create value for Next176. Position Overview: We are seeking a visionary and strategic-minded Venture Associate to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with entrepreneurs, internal teams, and external partners to develop and execute innovative venture strategies. As a Venture Associate, you will combine your business acumen, industry expertise, and creative thinking to design and shape the future of our ventures. The ideal candidate should have a strong entrepreneurial mindset, a deep understanding of business strategy, and a passion for driving innovation and growth. Responsibilities Identify and evaluate potential business opportunities: conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, technologies, and market gaps; assess viability, profitability, and scalability of new ventures; collaborate with entrepreneurs and internal teams to identify market opportunities and assess feasibility. Market research and signal validation: conduct in‑depth market research, competitor analysis, and customer insights; analyse industry landscapes, competitive environments and customer behaviour; identify potential ideas to take through the venture building validation process; develop hypotheses and research; provide insights to support decision‑making; assess risks and opportunities associated with potential ventures. Project management: manage research and validation initiatives, coordinate timelines, milestones, and deliverables. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams: assist in implementation of business strategies and go‑to‑market plans; work with venture architects & product teams to support the build of prototypes and products ensuring alignment with research findings. Reporting: prepare regular reports and updates for the Venture Architect and other stakeholders; communicate key insights and findings effectively to support decision‑making. Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including product managers, designers, marketers, and engineers, to align venture strategies and execute on business objectives. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, or a related field. Proven experience in venture development, business strategy, or entrepreneurship. Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to assess market trends, identify opportunities, and make strategic decisions. Solid understanding of business models, financial analysis, and investment principles. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and entrepreneurs. Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to think creatively, challenge the status quo, and propose innovative solutions. Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities, with the ability to inspire and guide entrepreneurs. Passion for entrepreneurship, startups, and driving innovation in the business landscape. Familiarity with venture capital, startup ecosystem, and emerging technologies is desirable. #J-18808-Ljbffr