Investment Intern

Job Description

About the company:

Founded in 1936, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Sparkplugs, Inc.) is recognized as a world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality for designing spark plugs and oxygen sensors. The company is currently undergoing a transformation of its business portfolio, which involves expanding its core ceramic technologies and exploring capabilities beyond traditional areas. Niterra North America is committed to developing solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues and contribute to a sustainable society.

Job description, detailed:

Qualifications:

• Education:
• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, finance, economics, engineering, or a related field.
• MBA candidates are also welcome.
• Industry Interest:
• Demonstrated interest in venture capital, entrepreneurship, or technology-driven industries (evidenced through coursework, projects, internships, or extracurricular activities).
• Financial Skills & Knowledge:
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to gather and synthesize data into clear insights.
• Basic understanding of valuation techniques, including Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, Comparable Company Analysis (CCA), and precedent transactions, coupled with a strong interest in further developing these skills.
• Familiarity with three-statement financial models and eagerness to deepen expertise in fund-of-funds modeling, assessing capital efficiency, and creating scenarios for potential returns on invested capital (ROIC) under supportive mentorship and direction.
• Building an understanding of sensitivity analysis with a growing ability to identify and quantify key financial and operational risks. Eager to enhance skills in advanced financial modeling techniques with support and guidance.
• Legal Knowledge:
• Familiar with key legal concepts through coursework or related knowledge, including term sheets, legal documents, Rights of First Refusal (ROFRs), cap tables, 409A valuations, and exit strategies.
• Excited to develop skills in legal document review, deal structuring, and negotiation while learning from experienced professionals.
• Analytical & Strategic Mindset:
• Strong analytical capabilities and research skills with a strategic and tactical mindset.
• Able to quickly assess market opportunities and competitive positioning, synthesizing these into clear investment rationales.
• Cross-cultural Experience:
• Experience working in a multinational or cross-cultural environment, with a keen interest in learning more about Japanese business practices and culture.
• Open to gaining insights into cross-cultural collaboration and applying them effectively in a professional setting.
• Communication:
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling investment narratives for executive-level decision-making.
• Fluency in Japanese is highly desirable.
• Technical Tools:
• Familiarity with tools like Pitchbook, Microsoft Office, Google Slides/Sheets, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Willingness to develop proficiency with CRMs such as Affinity or Airtable is highly encouraged.

Responsibilities:

• Investment Strategy & Sourcing:
• Assist in identifying, evaluating, and executing investment strategies aligned with Niterra’s corporate goals.
• Contribute to the development of strategies to maintain a strong pipeline of potential investments and deal flow in targeted technology sectors while learning from experienced team members.
• Proactively support efforts to identify and screen high-potential investment opportunities that align with Niterra’s strategic objectives.
• Work alongside the team to build relationships with founders, venture capitalists, and industry experts, gaining early exposure to promising opportunities.
• Relationship Management:
• Learn to foster relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and other investors, to enhance collaboration and leverage Niterra’s investment network effectively.
• Due Diligence & Financial Modeling:
• Support due diligence processes by contributing to financial analysis, market and industry assessments, and risk evaluations.
• Demonstrate an eagerness to develop expertise in creating financial models, such as DCF, sensitivity analyses, and multi-scenario projections, under the mentorship of experienced colleagues.
• Portfolio Management:
• Assist in tracking the performance of portfolio companies, collecting operational data, and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform decision-making.
• Collaborate with senior team members to gain insights into the strategic and operational challenges of portfolio companies while contributing your perspective to foster innovation.
• Team Collaboration & Development:
• Actively seek mentorship and provide mutual support to fellow interns and team members, helping to build a high-performing, collaborative, and adaptive investment team culture.
• Reporting & Special Projects:
• Contribute to preparing performance reports for senior team members, using data-driven analysis to highlight key portfolio metrics and recommend strategic adjustments based on market conditions.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by undertaking special projects as assigned by management, viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Fulfill any additional tasks or responsibilities required to ensure team success.
• Work Environment:
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and adapt to diverse needs.