Research Analyst

About Kindred Ventures

Kindred Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm, backing visionary and relentless founders building the future using technology and science. Founded in 2014, Kindred focuses on early-stage investments — often backing startups early before product-market fit and pre-product. We are multi-theme specialists investing in startups across AI, consumer tech, crypto/web3, fintech, health & wellness, mobility & logistics, and tools & infrastructure. Kindred Ventures is led by Steve Jang and Kanyi Maqubela and has over $900M in assets under management across multiple funds.

The Roles

Kindred Ventures is hiring Research Analysts to join our research program. We are looking for candidates across two distinct but complementary profiles:

Research Analyst, AI & Frontier Tech — This role is focused on frontier technologies and artificial intelligence. You will develop and advance our thesis across AI and emerging technology themes by providing deep technical evaluations, primary and secondary market intelligence, and assessments of new models and technologies. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in AI, with experience in research or applied development, and is excited to translate that expertise into the investment process.

Research Analyst, Technology & Markets — This role is focused on multi-sector technology coverage. You will analyze technology sectors, emerging startups, and market trends to provide insights that complement our technical research capabilities and support investment decisions. The ideal candidate brings experience in product, engineering, or go-to-market roles at technology startups and is eager to apply a business-oriented lens to the investment process.

Both roles are key members of our research team and will collaborate closely with each other and with Kindred's Managing Partners throughout the entire investment lifecycle. These are full-time, in-office positions based at our San Francisco office, Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth primary and secondary market research across Kindred's focus areas, including AI, developer tools, data infrastructure, fintech, healthcare, consumer internet, and frontier tech areas such as space, bio-manufacturing, robotics, and autonomy.
• Evaluate technical feasibility, market opportunity, and competitive dynamics of prospective investments.
• Prepare and contribute to investment memos, market reports, and presentations to support investment decisions and portfolio management.
• Publish internal and external research based on Kindred's investment themes.
• Monitor emerging trends, new model developments, and shifts in the technology landscape.
• Develop and maintain relationships with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate across the investment and research teams to provide holistic views on opportunities.
• Support portfolio companies with technical feedback, strategic guidance, and operational resources.
• Work with the investment and community teams on conferences, portfolio events, founder summits, and other events.
• Support internal and external firm operations, communications, and marketing initiatives.

Qualifications: Research Analyst, AI & Frontier Tech

• Deep technical understanding of AI, particularly in areas like deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.
• Familiarity with popular AI frameworks and tools, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
• Experience with or understanding of applying AI in various products and real-world business contexts.
• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in AI research or applied AI development, preferably at a late-stage or public tech company, a leading AI research lab, or a top-tier academic program.
• Experience in publishing and leading research projects from conception to completion.

Qualifications: Research Analyst, Technology & Markets

• 3-5 years of experience in research, investment banking, equity research, consulting, or analyst roles in finance; or equivalent experience in product, engineering, technical sales, or go-to-market at a technology startup.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Strong understanding of various technology sectors, business models, and market dynamics.
• Proficiency in modern AI tool use: function calling, basic on-prem compute, devops, and model provisioning.
• Experience with agents: deep research, vibecoding, workflow automation agents, etc.
• Knowledge of AI technologies and their business applications.
• Experience in writing and publishing research.
• Capability to lead research projects from conception to completion.

Shared Qualifications

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Superior written and verbal communication abilities, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience or a strong interest in the venture capital and startup ecosystems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in evaluating and managing both research and engineering teams and projects at a foundational model company or a major cloud platform.
• Proven publication record in top AI conferences or journals.
• Prior experience or demonstrated interest in high-growth technology startups.

What We Offer

• Build a body of work in research and engage with world-class talent from around the globe.
• Opportunity to participate in and learn from the investment process, including initial pitches, investment committee discussions, onboarding, and portfolio support.
• Ability to help shape the future by supporting our investments in breakthrough technologies and innovative startups.
• A collaborative work environment with a team of experienced investors and operators.
• A competitive compensation package.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

This role is eligible to participate in the Kindred Ventures benefit plans, including platinum health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K plan, and paid discretionary vacation time.