About the position

Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead Strategic Investment Specialist (Vice President level) to join the Principal Technology Investments (PTI) team based in Palo Alto, CA. The Lead Strategic Investment Specialist is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and executing strategic venture capital and growth equity investment opportunities across enterprise technology sectors, with particular focus on the key domains of fintech, cyber security, artificial intelligence, infrastructure software, and other technology sectors relevant to the future of financial services. The role combines venture investment expertise, industry knowledge, and relationship management across the technology ecosystem to identify emerging technologies relevant to Wells Fargo's businesses and drive both strategic and financial value creation. The position plays a key role throughout the investment lifecycle, including sourcing investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, developing investment thesis, executing transactions, and helping manage portfolio companies post-investment. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine venture investing, strategic technology evaluation, and business development within a major financial institution.

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate strategic venture and growth equity, structured equity, commercial warrants, and other investment opportunities in technology sectors relevant to Wells Fargo
• Develop and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, venture and corporate investment groups, and other participants within the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem
• Conduct industry research and market analysis to identify emerging technologies, competitive trends, and potential investment themes
• Coordinate business, financial, operational, legal, and technical due diligence efforts for prospective investments
• Build financial models, valuation analyses, investment memos, and investment committee presentations
• Help assess both the financial merits and strategic relevance of investment opportunities to Wells Fargo
• Partner with the managing directors on the team to identify opportunities for commercial warrants, strategic partnerships, and technology adoption for the benefit of Wells Fargo
• Support the team’s managing directors in the structuring, negotiation, execution, and closing of investment transactions
• Monitor portfolio company performance and provide ongoing analysis, quarterly portfolio reporting, and recommendations related to existing investments
• Serve as a relationship manager with portfolio company finance teams and other key stakeholders
• Represent the PTI team at industry conferences, venture capital events, and technology ecosystem meetings, as needed
• Assist with board observer and other governance responsibilities related to portfolio company investments, as needed

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in Strategic Investment Management, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
• 2+ years of experience in venture capital, corporate venture investing, growth capital, private equity, corporate development, or related equity investing transaction experience
• 2+ years of experience analyzing enterprise technology investments in domains such as data & analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning / AI, and infrastructure software, which includes the ability to build financial and operating models and conduct valuation analyses (e.g., DCF analysis, comparable company valuation analysis)

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in venture capital, corporate venture capital, or growth equity investing
• Strong knowledge of enterprise technology markets, including areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data infrastructure, and cloud software
• Demonstrated ability to originate investment opportunities. Strong network and connectivity within the Silicon Valley technology ecosystem, including relationships with entrepreneurs, investment teams at venture capital firms, accelerators, and other innovation community participants
• Experience in structuring equity investments, term sheets, shareholder agreements, and related transaction documents
• Completion of 2+ years in investment banking is preferred
• Intellectual curiosity and passion for emerging technologies, innovation, and the venture ecosystem
• Proficiency leveraging AI-enabled productivity and research tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot and/or similar platforms) to enhance investment sourcing, market research, due diligence, portfolio monitoring, and workflow efficiency
• Ability to work independently or in teams and thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Strong work ethics and verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Benefits

• Health benefits
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid time off
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
• Parental leave
• Critical caregiving leave
• Discounts and savings
• Commuter benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Scholarships for dependent children
• Adoption reimbursement