Startup Manager

Salary

Competitive, commensurate with experience

Role Overview

The Startup Manager will be responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and on-boarding high-potential startups and entrepreneurs into Impactium’s portfolio and accelerator programs. This role is pivotal to building a pipeline of impact-driven ventures that can scale meaningful solutions across India’s most pressing challenges: climate, agriculture, inclusive growth, and women empowerment.

Key Responsibilities

Startup Sourcing & Pipeline Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategy across tier-1, tier-2, and tier-3 cities in India

• Build and manage a robust pipeline of potential portfolio companies through direct outreach, network activation, and partner referrals

• Attend startup events, pitch competitions, demo days, and incubator networks to identify promising founders

• Cultivate relationships with incubators, accelerators, universities, and entrepreneurial hubs for warm introductions

• Maintain a dynamic CRM/tracking system of sourced startups with regular updates on progress and engagement

• Proactively identify trends and gaps in entrepreneurial ecosystems to guide sourcing strategy

Deal Evaluation & Due Diligence

• Conduct initial screening of prospective founders and startups against Impactium’s investment thesis

• Assess founder caliber, product-market fit, scalability, and impact potential

• Perform due diligence on shortlisted startups (financial, technical, regulatory, market)

• Analyze business models for sustainability and alignment with SDGs and climate action

• Evaluate inclusion metrics (women, marginalized communities, rural entrepreneurs)

• Present detailed investment memos and recommendations to investment committee

Portfolio Onboarding & Support

• Manage end-to-end onboarding process for new portfolio companies

• Coordinate legal documentation, equity/investment structuring, and compliance requirements

• Facilitate introductions to Impactium’s mentor network and strategic partners

• Coordinate access to capacity-building programs (business planning, financial management, pitch training)

• Support portfolio companies’ linkage with market access opportunities and ecosystem partners

• Maintain relationship with portfolio founders post-investment, including regular check-ins and pipeline updates

Thematic Expertise & Market Development

• Develop deep sector expertise (agri, rural, clean energy, sustainability, etc.)

• Understand market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and growth drivers in focus sectors

• Contribute to investment thesis refinement based on market learnings

• Identify underserved founder demographics and design targeted sourcing campaigns

• Support Enable the Shakti and Bhartiya Entrepreneurs Program initiatives through strategic sourcing

Program Alignment

• Ensure sourced startups align with Impactium’s flagship programs (Enable the Shakti for women/LGBTQ+ founders, Bhartiya Entrepreneurs for rural innovators)

• Track diversity metrics (women, LGBTQ+, SC/ST, rural, underrepresented communities) in portfolio composition

• Support program storytelling and case study development from portfolio companies

• Contribute to impact measurement and outcome tracking for program evaluations

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Agriculture, or related field

• MBA or equivalent business education preferred but not mandatory

Experience

• Minimum 2–4 years in startup sourcing, venture capital, business development, or startup ecosystem roles

• Demonstrated experience identifying and evaluating early-stage ventures

• Strong understanding of Indian startup ecosystem across geographies

• Experience in impact investing or social entrepreneurship is preferred

• Familiarity with specific sectors (agritech, climate tech, renewable energy, fintech) is valuable

Personal Qualities

• Genuine passion for finding and supporting India’s next generation of impact entrepreneurs

• Ability to recognize untapped potential in founders, especially from marginalized communities

• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort working in a lean, fast-paced environment

• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in entrepreneurship

• Integrity, reliability, and strong interpersonal skills

• Comfort with travel to meet founders across India

What We’re Looking For

• Talent scouts who can identify diamonds in the rough—especially women and rural entrepreneurs—before others do

• Builders with passion for expanding entrepreneurial access beyond traditional metros

• Team members who understand that inclusion isn’t an add-on but central to impact

• Professionals who believe in the power of decentralized innovation and grassroots entrepreneurship