VC Analyst @ Baird Capital in Chicago, IL

Baird Capital is the direct private investment arm of Robert W. Baird & Co., making venture capital, growth equity and private equity (PE) investments in strategically targeted sectors worldwide. Baird Capital partners with entrepreneurs and leverages its global executive networks to help build exceptional companies.

Baird Capital is seeking a driven and dynamic professional to work closely with our Portfolio Operations, Finance and Investment teams. This individual will play a key role in fund valuations, quarterly investor reporting, portfolio review materials, and portfolio financial planning and analysis (FP&A).

Reporting directly to the Portfolio Operations Principal, this position will also support broader portfolio operations initiatives, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to strategic projects that drive value creation across Baird Capital’s global portfolio.

• Collaborate directly with Portfolio Operations leaders, Global Head of Finance and Investment and Finance teams to prepare quarterly valuation analyses for all venture portfolio companies and actively participate in valuation committee meetings.
• Serve as the primary liaison for audit-related inquiries, supporting the Fund auditors throughout the annual audit process.
• Manage and update company capitalization tables and distribution waterfalls, ensuring consistency with company valuations and capturing the impact of financings, exits, and other corporate events.
• Responsible for collecting, tracking, and reporting monthly financial data for all venture portfolio companies.
• Draft quarterly portfolio company write-ups for inclusion in investor reporting packages, providing high-level financial performance updates and performance commentary.
• Stay up to date on portfolio company performance by reviewing board materials, monitoring Salesforce updates, and actively participating in investment team meetings and portfolio reviews.
• Support the preparation of portfolio review materials, investor relations presentations, and annual meeting content.
• Generate fundamental financial analyses of portfolio companies—including trends, key performance indicators (KPIs), and other metrics—and report findings to the investment teams on a quarterly or ad hoc basis.
• Identify and implement process improvements while supporting the standardization of recurring reporting workflows, valuation procedures, and data management practices across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with operations and value creation teams to develop the infrastructure to measure the post-investment impact of key operational initiatives.
• Collaborate with Portfolio Operations leaders, portfolio company executives and investment teams to develop and shape value creation strategies to achieve investment theses.
• Help drive the most critical priorities on the value creation plans, supporting on everything from project management to Baird best practice implementations.

• Trusted investment partner known for its collaborative approach, integrity, and innovative mindset.
• Offers a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Encourages employees to take initiative and grow professionally.
• Part of Baird, a global financial services firm recognized for its strong culture and workplace excellence.
• Values-driven organization committed to making a positive impact.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in public accounting or transaction advisory, with exposure to private equity, venture capital, or M&A-related financial due diligence.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, reliability, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and contribute as a team player.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, combined with a proactive approach and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.
• Outstanding organizational and time‑management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities, working independently, and taking initiative with clear,…