2026 Venture Capital Business Development Summer Associate

The team you’ll join

The Portfolio Impact team helps StepStone stand out by supporting both the investors we work with and the startups we invest in. We help our portfolio companies grow by connecting them with potential customers, partners, and potential acquirers.

To do this, we introduce the startups we back to leaders at major companies — like Fortune 500 and Global 2000 firms — and help them find ways to work together. Because of our unique investment model, we have insight into about 70,000 startups. This means that when a big company wants to find new ideas or partners in a certain area, we can quickly share the best options and explain how they compare, giving us an advantage over others.

About the role

The Portfolio Impact Summer Associate will work alongside the Portfolio Impact team to support our portfolio companies through business and corporate development. Specifically, you will build relationships with technologists at global companies and provide thoughtful, curated recommendations of StepStone portfolio companies that are relevant to their interests and priorities.  Those recommendations are based informed by research and insights we gather via fund and portfolio company relationships.

This unique role provides meaningful exposure to some of the top investors and operators within venture capital. Further, the Summer Associate position is an excellent opportunity to gather perspective on the venture industry, hone your business development skills, and develop an understanding of the technology trends shaping our future. 

What you’ll do 

• Conduct Market Research: Identify potential customers or partners for portfolio companies by researching industry trends, key players, and target markets.
• Support Relationship Building: Assist in nurturing relationships with key contacts by organizing meetings, sharing relevant materials, and ensuring a professional follow-up process.
• Collaborate with Portfolio Companies: Work closely with portfolio company teams to understand their product offerings, target customer profiles, and sales strategies.
• Facilitate Warm Introductions: Coordinate and execute outreach to potential customers, using email, phone, or events, to introduce portfolio companies and their solutions.
• Develop Target Lists: Maintain the firm’s database of corporate relationships and identify new prospective partners, leveraging tools like LinkedIn, CRM platforms, and industry directories.
• Track and Report Progress: Monitor the status of introductions, follow-ups, and outcomes; provide regular updates to the firm and our portfolio companies.
• Optimize Introduction Processes: Propose and implement improvements to the introduction workflow to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

What we’re looking for

• Graduating from an MBA program in Winter 2026 or Spring 2027
• Prior experience in entrepreneurial and/or business development roles
• Demonstrated track record of academic and professional success
• Willingness to go above and beyond to generate exceptional results for the team
• Compelling and charismatic communicator who is comfortable interfacing with senior executives
• Strong understanding of and interest in technology and venture ecosystem; pays close attention to technology trends and can articulate prospective long-term implications for the industry

Why join us?

At StepStone, we foster a supportive and inclusive team culture where collaboration and learning are the core of what we do. Our collegial atmosphere encourages teamwork, mentorship, and professional development. This summer internship is a great opportunity to gain practical experience and develop critical skills that will help you launch a successful career in venture capital.   

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