Upfront Ventures is seeking a Research Associate to join our team and help us elevate how we engage with our existing and prospective Limited Partners (LPs) and the broader venture capital community. Founded in 1996, Upfront is one of the most active early-stage funds in Southern California, currently investing out of our 7th early-stage fund and 3rd early growth fund, with close to 100 active portfolio companies and growing, including companies like Writer, Bland, Apex Space, GOAT, and Rula (see our whole portfolio here). We pride ourselves on our operational edge, thought leadership, and commitment to building lasting relationships with our LPs.

About the Role

This is a highly strategic, research-drive, quant focussed role designed for someone who thrives on deep dives into market data, enjoys building narratives from numbers, and finds fulfillment in producing high-quality content that shapes how Upfront tells our story. Reporting to a General Partner and working closely with the Investor Relations and Platform team, you will leverage your analytical skills and storytelling abilities to surface market insights, create compelling content, and help amplify Upfront’s voice as a thought leader in the venture industry. As our Research Associate, you’ll play a key role in how we engage with Limited Partners as well as the broader ecosystem - building credibility, deepening trust, and strengthening long-term relationships through clear, insight-led content. This role is onsite in our Santa Monica office.

Responsibilities

• Market Research & Insights: Conduct deep research using PitchBook and other data sources to uncover trends and actionable insights about the venture and private markets-both proactively and on request.
• Storytelling with Data: Analyze and synthesize industry and firm data, transforming it into clear, compelling narratives and visualizations for LPs and internal stakeholders.
• Content Creation: Produce high-quality reports, presentations (Keynote/PowerPoint), charts, and occasional blog posts or white papers that are both analytically rigorous and accessible.
• Materials Management: Own the process of updating and maintaining Upfront’s core decks and investor materials, ensuring they are always current and impactful.
• Thought Leadership: Create and distribute regular, insightful research pieces-whether in the form of charts, short narratives, or market updates-that can be leveraged in LP communications, presentations, and social media to keep Upfront top-of-mind and demonstrate thought leadership.
• LP Communications: Support the creation of quarterly reports or similar communications for LPs, blending industry trends and firm updates.
• Platform Support: Prepare research and materials for webinars and other LP-facing events.

Ideal Experience & Qualifications

• 2–4 Years of Analytical Experience: Background in management consulting, equity research at financial institutions, or market research. Experience in venture or tech is a plus, but not required.
• Presentation Building & Visualization Skills: Demonstrated ability to independently create high-quality presentations and charts (Keynote/PowerPoint) and manipulate data sets for storytelling.
• Intellectual Curiosity: Deeply analytical, with a genuine love for research, data, and uncovering market trends.
• Narrative Builder: Skilled at turning data into stories-able to identify what’s interesting, synthesize insights, and communicate them clearly.
• Self-Starter: Thrives with minimal oversight, takes ownership of projects, and consistently delivers high-quality work.
• Team Player: Enjoys being part of a collaborative, cross-functional team
• Growth Mindset: Fast learner who asks good questions, adapts quickly, and is motivated by intellectual challenge.

Why Upfront?

• Strategic Differentiation: Join a firm that is intentionally investing in a function that very few peer firms have today. Upfront is at the cutting edge of how venture capital is evolving, with a clear strategy to differentiate on brand, content, and LP engagement.
• Build Something Foundational: Be the first hire in a new, high-visibility area with the opportunity to shape how we communicate our market insights and firm story.
• Direct Impact: Your work will provide critical leverage to the entire firm, helping build credibility and trust with LPs and amplifying Upfront’s brand across the venture community.
• Exposure: Work closely with senior leadership and influence firm-wide communications and investor engagement.
• Innovative Environment: Join a team that values deep thinking, research, and storytelling-where your thought leadership and work will be seen and valued.

Interested in applying?

If this sounds like you, please fill out our short application form here. If the role is a match, we will reach out directly via email to begin the interview process. Please note that we unfortunately cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Upfront Ventures is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.