Sustainable Economic Development Lead

Our Mission
We uplift people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship.
Who We Are
500 Global is a venture capital firm with $2.2B in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments and corporations on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems so startups can thrive. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000+ companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 180+ team members are located in 27 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.
Job Scope:
The Sustainable Economic Development Lead will drive global investor relations and business development efforts, with a focus on sustainability-focused limited partners (LPs), including development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral organizations, foundations, institutional investors, and family offices. The role requires a strong global network of relationships across diverse financial institutions, as well as expertise in structuring innovative, impact-driven financing models.

Essential Functions

• Build and manage relationships with a broad range of global investors, including DFIs, multilateral organizations, institutional investors, family offices, and foundations, with a focus on those prioritizing climate and sustainability.
• Contribute to achieving fundraising goals for climate-focused funds by identifying and engaging LPs whose interests align with the firm’s.
• Cultivate and maintain a pipeline of prospective investors, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records of engagement activities in Salesforce or similar CRM tools.
• Support the preparation of investor-facing materials, including presentations, newsletters, and quarterly updates, tailored to the needs of diverse LP audiences.
• Assist in responding to due diligence requests in collaboration with internal teams, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of information.
• Represent the firm at international industry events, conferences, and forums related to climate investing and sustainable finance, building the firm’s presence and sharing insights on its global initiatives.
• Assist in planning and executing LP-focused events such as roundtables, roadshows, and conferences, ensuring these engagements highlight the firm’s global climate strategy and capital mobilization efforts.
• Stay informed on global market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging opportunities in climate investment and sustainable economic development, ensuring this knowledge informs investor engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams to explore cross-selling opportunities and coordinate efforts to expand investor engagement in the climate and sustainable finance space.
• Work closely with partners on fund structuring, including customized and concessional finance models, ensuring alignment with investor priorities and international best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Environmental Science, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., CFA) are a plus.
• At least 5 years of experience in investor relations, fundraising, or a related role, ideally in sustainable finance, climate investment, or international development.
• Demonstrated global network of relationships with a range of LP types, including DFIs, multilateral organizations, institutional investors, foundations, and family offices.
• Experience in securing large-scale commitments from DFIs or similar institutional investors, particularly in risk-sharing or impact-driven financing structures.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM systems, with a strong ability to manage and analyze data related to investor engagement.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of investors and stakeholders.
• Some policy experience (e.g., work with the World Bank, IFC, or similar) to ensure familiarity with international frameworks like the Paris Agreement, IRIS+, and SDG-aligned metrics.
• Knowledge of climate finance, cross-border capital mobilization, and sustainable economic development is strongly preferred.
• An established network within the global climate investment and development finance community is a plus.