About the job
Acumen America is on the lookout for a Summer Venture Capital Associate who is enthusiastic about the intersection of investment, technology, and social impact. This role is a unique opportunity for individuals possessing keen investment insights, robust financial analysis capabilities, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering social change.
About Acumen America
Established in 2015, Acumen America is the U.S. investment arm of Acumen Fund, Inc., founded in 2001 with the goal of funding enterprises that address challenges faced by low-income populations globally. To date, Acumen has invested around $312 million in 241 ventures, positively affecting over 719 million lives.
In the United States, persistent inequality and poverty hinder progress across various economic and social dimensions. Acumen America focuses on making venture investments in trailblazing, early-stage companies that uplift the lives of low-income Americans. The entrepreneurs we partner with are dedicated to creating market-based, technology-driven solutions that enhance access to high-quality products, services, and economic mobility opportunities. Our collaboration with portfolio companies positions us as a testing ground for entrepreneurial solutions to poverty within the U.S. Since our inception, we have invested in 46 companies that directly impact 9.7 million Americans.
We champion diversity within our portfolio, with 60% of our companies having founders of color and 43% led by female founders. Our team is charged with identifying, evaluating, structuring, and managing investments in businesses that cater to low-income Americans across three key sectors: financial services, workforce development, and health. Based in San Francisco, we are a small but passionate team.
Position Overview
The Summer Associate will play a pivotal role in generating investment themes, sourcing new opportunities, evaluating and supporting entrepreneurs, conducting due diligence on potential investments, and aiding internal initiatives to catalyze portfolio growth. Utilizing their business acumen, the Summer Associate will assess the market positioning, scalability, and resilience of mission-driven startups focused on achieving both market-based returns and lasting social impact.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Conducting research to support Acumen America’s primary investment sectors (Health, Workforce Development, Financial Inclusion)
- Engaging with mission-driven entrepreneurs to assess new investment prospects and promote Acumen America’s investment strategy
- Generating actionable investment themes through research, networking, and personal conviction

