Venture Principal (1882 Energy Ventures)

Venture PrincipalLocation: HybridReports To: Managing DirectorType: Full-timeAbout 1882 Energy Ventures1882 Energy Ventures is a venture studio accelerating the global energy transition by building and scaling startups that decentralize energy systems—reshaping how homes, businesses, mobility, and networks are powered. By advancing decentralization, we drive decarbonization, enhance energy efficiency, and fuel long-term economic growth and development in the Philippines and beyond.About the RoleWe are looking for a Venture Principal to lead the development, validation, and scaling of new ventures from the ground up. In this role, you’ll operate as an early-stage co-founder driving venture strategy, leading cross-functional teams, and managing the build process through a stage-gated approach.You’ll work closely with the Managing Director and the broader venture studio team to identify high-potential opportunities, validate business models, and take ventures from zero to one. This role is ideal for someone with a strong strategic mind, entrepreneurial instinct, and the execution muscle to build in ambiguous, zero-to-one environments.What You’ll Do1. Lead Venture BuildsOwn the end-to-end development of one or more early-stage venturesDrive problem validation, customer discovery, business model design, and MVP developmentSet priorities, define milestones, and ensure timely execution from concept to pilotBuild and lead temporary or permanent venture teams as needed2. Shape Strategy & Opportunity ThesisCollaborate on identifying emerging trends, whitespace opportunities, and investable themesConduct deep market analysis, competitive landscaping, and early hypothesis testingWork with studio leadership to define investment theses and build conviction around new ideasDevelop go-to-market strategies and financial models to test viability3. Orchestrate Validation & TractionDesign and run lean experiments to test assumptions and de-risk early-stage ideasSet up customer pipelines, pilots, and early revenue-generating activitiesBuild early partnerships with corporates, startups, regulators, or distribution partnersDefine and monitor KPIs and iterate rapidly based on results4. Manage Governance & AlignmentPrepare materials for internal investment committees and key stakeholdersEnsure ventures progress through studio stage gates with clarity and disciplineAlign with internal functions (legal, finance, marketing, product) to ensure ventures have what they need to succeedInterface with the board and investors where appropriate5. Coach and CollaborateCoach associates, analysts, and venture team members to develop their capabilitiesProvide clear, structured feedback and model strong decision-makingDemonstrate coachability yourself by seeking feedback, adapting, and evolving rapidlyHelp build a culture of high performance, humility, and continuous learning within the studioFirst 90 Days ObjectivesLead or co-lead the development of a new venture from ideation to validationDeliver a structured investment case for internal review (e.g. problem validation, early traction, strategic fit)Build and align a cross-functional team to support the ventureIdentify and execute at least 2–3 key experiments to de-risk core assumptionsDemonstrate ownership and clarity in driving venture progress through our stage-gated processWhat We’re Looking For5–8+ years of experience in venture building, startup leadership or product leadershipProven ability to take an idea from concept to market whether inside a startup or corporate innovation contextStrong commercial instincts with the ability to test and validate ideas quicklyExcellent prioritization skills, you focus on what moves the needle and block out the noiseHands-on leadership style with the ability to mobilize cross-functional teamsStrong storytelling and stakeholder management skills, you can engage founders, funders, and functional teams alikeHighly coachable, open to feedback, fast to iterate, and committed to your own growthAbility to manage ambiguity, take ownership, and drive momentum under pressureWhat We ValueFounder Mentality: You think and act like a builder, not a managerPragmatic Idealism: You dream big but move fast, stay lean, and get real feedbackClarity & Focus: You prioritize what matters, and communicate it clearlyIntellectual Honesty: You let evidence lead, and welcome being proven wrongLeadership Through Action: You set the pace by showing, not tellingGrowth Mindset: You coach others, seek feedback, and never stop learningPreferred QualificationsProven experience as a founder, co-founder, or early team leader in a startup that reached product–market fit or early scaleDemonstrated ability to build and lead cross-functional teams including product, design, ops, and GTM in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environmentExperience taking a venture from zero to first customers, including hands-on involvement in GTM planning, pricing, customer discovery, and iteration cyclesComfortable working with ambiguous, loosely defined problem statements and shaping them into structured, testable opportunitiesExperience working in or alongside a venture studio, accelerator, or innovation labFamiliarity with venture financing (SAFEs, convertible notes, cap tables), investment processes, and early fundraisingStrong grasp of lean startup principles, growth metrics, and financial modelingExposure to regulated or infrastructure-heavy industries (e.g., energy, climate tech, mobility) is a strong plusDeep understanding of what makes a startup team succeed including the ability to coach founders and assess entrepreneurial potentialWhy Join UsThis isn’t just a role; it’s a chance to build companies that shape the future. As Venture Principal, you’ll be at the heart of our studio’s mission to turn bold ideas into high-impact ventures. You’ll be surrounded by a team of thinkers, builders, and strategists who thrive on pushing boundaries. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and build what matters, we’d love to meet you.