What We Do:

Gridline provides access to top-tier alternative investments, creating an efficient way to gain diversified exposure to non-public assets with lower capital minimums, transparent fees, and greater liquidity.

While the traditional investing process is cumbersome, manual, and inefficient, we are redeveloping the entire system from the ground up, building a technology-first approach that makes it simple to discover, deploy and manage alternative investments. 

Just as other platforms have revolutionized the financial industry (payments, lending, trading, etc), we are building the on-ramp for new journeys into alternatives by reducing complexity and putting usability at the core of our platform.

Who We Are:

Our team collectively brings decades of experience across the technology and investing landscape, and are looking to continue our growth alongside people that:

• Make decisions based on data and analytical insights with a focus on delivering long term value

• Think strategically, and can articulate what they are (and are not) trying to accomplish

• Take calculated risks, are open to possible failure, and continuously make progress

• Are passionate about what we’re building and seek to constantly learn

• Operate with a high degree of candor, authenticity, and transparency

Role Overview:

The Investment Associate will be responsible for oversight and execution of external manager sourcing, screening, due diligence and monitoring of alternative investment strategies across Gridline’s asset classes of focus, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Private Credit, and Real Assets). Depending on an applicant’s experience, they may begin in one asset class of focus and transition to  a “generalist” with multi-asset exposure. Regardless of the type of experience an applicant has, this position is an integral part of our investment team, and will be responsible for the continued development and oversight of Gridline’s quantitative and qualitative processes to evaluate and monitor external investment managers.  

The role will participate in all aspects of identifying, negotiating, and onboarding third party managers, including building the sourcing pipeline and developing deep relationships with top performing managers in their respective asset class.  The role will also communicate the results of the external manager selection process, through the preparation of investment materials and meetings with potential clients to walk them through a manager’s investment merits.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in refining criteria for selecting external managers across a range of asset classes, geographies, and product types.

• Aid in sourcing and tracking new managers through frequent database queries, peer-to-peer contact, placement agent relationships, and industry events.

• Perform thorough and rigorous investment due diligence (IDD) and operational due diligence (ODD) processes on new and existing managers in the Gridline pipeline.

• Showcase the results of diligence work with Gridline clients by authoring materials that equip potential investors with needed insights in a concise manner.

• Effectively communicate strengths and weaknesses of investments that have made it through Gridline’s diligence process with qualified potential clients and investment advisors.

• Collaborate with investment and product teams in negotiating fees, capacity, etc. with external managers and pricing/economic activities related to Gridline’s investment vehicles.

• Coordinate with investment, compliance and product teams to enhance formal monitoring and reporting on external strategies/managers.

• Serve as a subject-matter-expert on underlying Gridline diligence process – incorporating our “four principles” — People, Process, Performance and Philosophy.

Qualifications:

• Preferred: MBA or Master’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related quantitative field. Required: BA/BS degree in finance or related field, with strong credentials (CFA or CAIA) and relevant work experience.

• 3-5+ years of experience in institutional asset management, investment banking, investment consulting, fund-of-funds, private equity, venture capital, and/or real assets management.

• OCIO, or Family Office experience is a plus.

• Direct experience in investment manager due diligence, manager search and selection.

• Experience with asset allocation products, portfolio construction and related concepts.

• Record of drafting materials for and actively communicating in client-facing meetings.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to excel in a dynamic and interactive team environment.

• Experience with Cobalt (by Hamilton Lane) a plus, also Pitchbook or Preqin.

• A self-starter with strong analytical/communication skills, demonstrated leadership, and ability to “own” initiatives and work in a dynamic environment (we are a start up and move fast!)

Even if you don’t meet all the qualifications for this position but are passionate about what we’re doing, we encourage you to apply — we’d love to hear from you.

Gridline is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.