Investment Associate (AI Infrastructure)

About SoftBank:

SoftBank Group invests in breakthrough technology to improve the quality of life for people around the world. SoftBank Group is comprised of SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO: 9984), an investment holding company that includes stakes in AI, smart robotics, IoT, telecommunications, internet services, and clean energy technology providers, as well as a majority stake in Arm, which is building the future of computing; and the SoftBank Vision Funds, which are investing to help transform industries and shape new ones. To learn more, please visit www.visionfund.com and https://group.softbank/en.

About the role:

SoftBank Group International is seeking two high-performing professionals for a hands-on role across the AI stack: AI infrastructure (including data centers, compute and power), physical AI and robotics, and AI applications. This is not a typical VC / growth-equity role. It combines rigorous underwriting and transaction execution with project development and hands-on, day-to-day operational responsibilities. You will assess companies, assets and strategic partnerships, and then work with management teams and partners to translate investment theses into operating outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop investment theses and evaluate companies, assets and partnerships across AI infrastructure, physical AI and robotics, and AI applications.
• Support commercial, financial and technical diligence on data centre sites, development projects and operating assets, including land and site control, power reliability and time-to-power, fibre, permitting, cooling, design, construction, supply chain, customer demand and offtake.
• Assess investments in physical AI, robotics and AI applications, focusing on technology differentiation, market structure, business model, competition, unit economics, customer adoption and management quality.
• Build financial models and prepare investment committee materials across standalone and platform investments, clearly presenting valuation, financing, returns, sensitivities and key risks.
• Execute acquisitions, primary investments, joint ventures, project financings and partnerships from diligence through structuring, negotiation, approval and closing.
• Work hands-on with management teams and project partners after investment to deliver operating plans, commercial priorities, capital allocation and measurable value-creation milestones.
• Project-manage cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, including advisers, developers, utilities, authorities and prospective customers where relevant, tracking budgets, risks, decisions, critical paths and KPIs.

Requirements:

• Fluent English is required. Fluency in French is beneficial, though not mandatory.
• BA/BS or equivalent, with a strong academic record; finance, economics, engineering or another quantitative discipline is preferred.
• Experience consistent with an Associate-level professional (typically 2 to 5 years) in digital infrastructure investing, investment banking, corporate development, strategy or an operating role; exposure to data centres, power and energy, robotics, digital infrastructure or AI is preferred.
• Advanced financial modelling, valuation and returns-analysis skills across corporate and project investment cases.
• Strong commercial judgement and technical fluency, with the ability to assess complex systems and operating models alongside technical experts.
• Demonstrated ability to execute transactions or complex projects and work effectively with management teams, advisers and counterparties.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, sound judgement, high ownership and comfort operating in ambiguity.
• Willingness to travel as projects require.

Equal Opportunities and Reasonable Adjustments

SoftBank Group International is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you require reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

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