Venture Capital Job – Principal – Shell Ventures

Support companies to fully recognize their value and help them substantially create more value and most importantly capture more value for their shareholders.

Where you fit

Shell Ventures (SV) is Shell’s corporate venture capital arm with a global portfolio of more than 100 investments valued and a recent mandate to invest a further $1.4bn in low-carbon opportunities by 2027. Our goal is to make financially attractive, minority investments in early-stage and more mature growth-stage start-ups that have developed technologies and/or business models which are relevant to Shell’s current and future businesses and customers. We invest in 3 key areas: Resources & Environment, Renewable Power & Heat, and Mobility.

The SV team consists of more than 40 professionals in the US, Europe & Asia and includes a dedicated implementation team to act as the bridge between SV, its portfolio companies, and global Shell operations and businesses. In this role, you will lead investment rounds or follow other (corporate) VCs, depending on deal dynamics.

What’s the role?

As Investment Principal you will join our team in India. This is an exciting role for you as you will experience venture investment, start-up, and/or (corporate) innovation professional to invest in relevant start-ups in Climate Tech and specifically in SV’s core domains of Renewable Energy, Mobility, Resources & Environment, and IT/Digital. You will be responsible for the end-to-end full process from deal sourcing, to preparing and presenting the investment case, to leading the deal execution and negotiating with counterparties towards delivery, to post-investment monitoring and implementation as part of the Board of Directors or as an observer.

Core Responsibilities are as follows:

• Source investment opportunities through your network that have the potential to transform the energy, mobility, and/or carbon markets.
• Develop the investment case, including assessment of the value of the solution to Shell in close collaboration with Shell businesses and technology groups.
• Structure and negotiate the financial and governance terms of the SV investment, including with other co-investors.
• Lead (virtual) Shell deal teams in performing due diligence, including representatives from various functional support groups (e.g Finance, Legal)
• Act as a trusted investor- ‘advisor’ to the CEO and management team in your role as a Board Director or Observer by guiding and helping portfolio companies be successful throughout the various stages of their growth.
• Support post-close management of investments (and eventual sale or IPO divestment) and contribute to regular performance reviews of portfolio companies.
• Validate, structure, and support the implementation of appropriate cooperation opportunities (e.g. joint development agreements, technology licensing, pilot projects, JVs) that can accelerate the deployment of technologies, products, or services in Shell operations, in close collaboration with SV’s implementation team;
• Contribute to the creation of insightful industry and sector investment theses through analysis, collaboration with Shell business units, and engagements with external parties.
• Cultivate a close working relationship with specific business stakeholders to ensure alignment of strategy, sharing of knowledge, and ongoing relevance to business groups;
• Develop and leverage your internal Shell network to source opportunities, validate strategic relevance of investments, and information technology and business innovation strategy;
• Position and represent SV as a trusted investment partner for world-class start-ups and leading VCs; and
• Be a credible and compelling spokesperson for SV and Shell by speaking at conferences, authoring thought-pieces, hosting events, engaging with media, etc.

• Make investment decisions based on strategic fit to Shell, balancing value from i) new business opportunity, ii) learning, iii) technology transfer, and iv) financial return.
• Develop opportunities and make investment decisions under conditions of high ambiguity, speed and pressure.
• Drive deals forward and is honest and explicit about risks and opportunities associated with this uncertainty.
• Have an excellent nose for ‘good deals’ and a proven ability to quickly down-select the best investment opportunities for Shell from a large pool of opportunities;
• Take accountability for the investments you are involved in concerning the SV team & personal deal track record and portfolio strategy (in SV there is no hiding from ‘bad’ investments)
• Provide both challenge and support to others in the team (e.g. in our Investment Committee discussions), portfolio company representatives, and external parties;
• Professionally manage internal and external stakeholders during the investment cycle, having an ability to deploy a variety of influencing styles to obtain collaboration and commitment.
• Secure deployment and pilot opportunities in Shell by working closely with the business.
• Have an executive presence with the collaborative spirit required vis-à-vis entrepreneurs, co-investors, corporate partners, and advisors.
• Passion to contribute towards continuous team professionalization without losing sight of value delivery.
• Highlighting Shell as new energy and mobility leader within a low-carbon VC ecosystem with disruptive innovation in energy and transportation; and
• Requires frequent travel and face-to-face meetings and at times intensive workload.

What we need from you

• University degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, IT, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields.
• 15+ years of professional experience with at least a 5-year track record in venture capital, incubation, M&A, Business Development, or start-up management in the Renewable Energy, Mobility, Environmental, or IT/Digital space.
• Detailed knowledge of all aspects of VC deal-making (from due diligence to deal structuring, negotiating key terms, reviewing legal documentation, and post-close deal management).
• Strong commercial acumen and experience in leading and closing deals.
• Natural curiosity, creative and critical thinker with learner mindset.
• Demonstrable expertise in, and passion for, technology, innovation, and/ or business model analysis and assessment – professional experience in a technical or operational role in the Energy, Mobility, or IT industry is a plus.
• Deep understanding of how technology or new business models unlock new opportunities.
• Strong professional network in the core VC ecosystems in Europe and beyond – cross-business internal Shell network is a plus.
• ‘Executive presence’ and the ability to represent SV in public forums.
• Strong communicator and project manager with the ability to build and maintain relationships within a complex, global corporation; and
• A true “team player” with a collaborative attitude and an interest in developing talent.

• Highlighting Shell as new energy and mobility leader within a low-carbon VC ecosystem with disruptive innovation in energy and transportation; and
• Requires frequent travel and face-to-face meetings and at times intensive workload.

Location: Gurgaon

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Shell is a global energy company where we work towards powering progress through more and cleaner energy solutions. We use advanced technologies and take an innovative approach to help build a sustainable energy future. In India Shell has its business footprint in Information Technology, Projects & Technology, Finance Operations, Emerging Energy Solutions, Downstream & Upstream spread across more than 7 main locations.

An innovative place to work

Join us and you’ll be adding your talent and imagination to a business with the ambition to shape the future – whether by investing in renewables, exploring new ways to store energy, or developing technology that helps the world to use energy more efficiently, everyone at Shell does their part.

An inclusive place to work

To power progress together, we need to attract and develop the brightest minds and make sure every voice is heard. Here are just some of the ways we are nurturing an inclusive environment – one where you can express your ideas, extend your skills and reach your potential…

We are creating a space where people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, workplace adjustments, and ongoing support in their roles. Feel free to let us know about your circumstances when you apply, and we’ll take it from there. We are striving to be a pioneer of an inclusive and diverse workplace, promoting equality for employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We consider ourselves a flexible employer and want to support you in finding the right balance. We encourage you to discuss this with us in your application.

A rewarding place to work

As an equal opportunity employer, combining our ideas through a creative, collaborative environment and global operations – we have developed and will continue to nurture a unique workplace with an impressive range of benefits to ensure that joining Shell is an inspired and rewarding career choice for everyone.