Investment Director, Venture Fund (Shanghai, China)

About Innovation Unit China

Innovation Unit China (China R&D Center) is a strategic innovation hub within Boehringer Ingelheim’s global R&D network, established to harness China’s rapidly evolving scientific capabilities and vibrant innovation ecosystem. By integrating Experimental Medicine, External Innovation, Development CMC, and Clinical Pharmacology & Non-clinical Safety Science, IU China connects promising science with early development expertise to accelerate high-potential opportunities, contribute to the global pipeline, and help accelerate breakthrough therapies for patients in China and around the world.

The position will play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, investing and managing of therapeutic biotech and digital healthcare companies via equity investments for the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF) Asia. This position is responsible for creating strategic options for the future of Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) by expanding into novel therapeutic approaches and businesses, with a focus on discovery-stage companies that address high medical needs through groundbreaking therapeutic or digital healthcare platforms. The role will work closely with internal executives, the Head of Venture Fund, and external partners to execute investments and manage portfolio companies towards meaningful value inflection points. You will be part of the Asia venture team of investment directors and being located at our office in Shanghai.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the global Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund by driving innovation and creating strategic value through investments in cutting-edge biotech and digital healthcare companies. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of scientific expertise, business acumen, and a strong network within the healthcare ecosystem to deliver on impactful investments.

As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and opportunity to directly contribute to the companies' success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in a number of ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, mobility, networking and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim's high regard for our employees

Duties & Responsibilities

Investment Strategy & Execution:

Collaborate with the Venture Fund Asia Coordinator and the global Head of Venture Fund to develop and refine investment strategies, identify investment target opportunities, build pipelines, and present investment cases to the Investment Committee.

Define the scientific focus, financing, and exit strategies for portfolio companies – often as lead investor.

Lead negotiations with target companies and co-investors, including term sheet discussions, drive all due diligence activities and prepare all necessary documentation for investment decisions.

Portfolio Management:

Actively manage a portfolio of investments by serving as a Board Director for portfolio companies, guiding their strategy, and mentoring founders to maximize success.

Ensure complementarity within the portfolio and secure successful exits while creating strategic options for BI.

Provide regular updates to executives and stakeholders on portfolio health and performance.

Sourcing & Networking:

Build and maintain a robust network within the biotech, venture capital, academic, and entrepreneurial communities, with a focus on China opportunities, but also greater APAC regions.

Scout and evaluate high-potential investment opportunities, focusing on game-changing disease-modifying therapeutic concepts and technologies.

Represent BIVF at international investor conferences and foster relationships with co-investors, academic institutions, and tech transfer offices.

Compliance & Governance:

Ensure adherence to global governance standards, pharmaceutical regulations, and ethical guidelines in all investment activities.

Demonstrate high ethical and professional standards to maintain BIVF’s and BI’s reputation within the medical and pharmaceutical community.

Perform all Company business in accordance with all regulations (e.g . NMPA, etc.) and Company policies and procedures. When violations are noted/observed they are to be immediately reported to management. Demonstrate high ethical and professional standards with all business contacts to maintain BIVF’s excellent reputation within the biotech and pharmaceutical community.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (PhD, MD) in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Medicine, or related fields. A degree in business, finance, or a related area is a plus.

Strong scientific background with proven expertise in drug discovery, therapeutic concept development, and R&D.

Prior experience in business development and/or venture capital incl. company formation skills are a plus.

At least 5yr therapeutics R&D experience is strongly preferred.

Led at least one project from discovery and successfully filed IND/entered clinic is strongly preferred.

Several years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a focus on drug discovery, pharmacology and experimental medicines.

Strong understanding of technology trends in Pharma R&D and experience with startup companies, venture capitalists, and commercial partnerships.

Managerial experience, including recruiting and mentoring of executives

Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and achieving value inflection points (e.g., Development Candidate nomination, Clinical PoC).

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

Well-established network within China academic institutes and biotech communities, as well as China venture capital ecosystem.

Financial modeling and superior analytical skills.

Proficiency in MS Office and database applications.

Willingness to travel extensively, often on short notice.