Venture Team Internship Human Capital Services

Position: Connecticut Innovations Venture Team Internship I Human Capital Services
Connecticut Innovations (CI)

Connecticut Innovations (CI) is now accepting applications for our 2026 Summer Internship Program.

As Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm and one of the most active investors on the East Coast, Connecticut Innovations (CI) manages a portfolio of 220+ companies spanning life sciences, technology, and climate tech. Each year, CI meets with hundreds of entrepreneurs to identify the most promising early-stage companies growing in Connecticut. CI invests in 20+ new companies annually and provides follow-on capital to existing portfolio companies.

It also invests as a Limited Partner in Connecticut-based venture funds-17 funds in the past six years.

Since 1989, CI has:

* Invested $700+ million in innovative startups

* Generated $7+ billion in outside capital (10X leverage)

In fiscal year 2025, CI invested $45.8 million in 67 companies and venture funds, helping attract an additional $653 million in outside capital. The year also generated $43.2 million in proceeds, fueling future investments in early-stage companies.

Our culture is vibrant, diverse, and collaborative. We share a mission-driven commitment to strengthening Connecticut's innovation ecosystem. CI participates in 20+ ecosystem events annually, and our headquarters at District New Haven serves as a hub for partnership, community, and innovation.

Human Capital Services (HCS) Team

HCS Team Internship

Join CI's Human Capital Services team to gain hands-on venture capital experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Interns contribute to projects that strengthen the venture infrastructure, support due diligence, and drive portfolio success.

The HCS Team provides services across organization design and structure, talent acquisition and retention, total rewards and recognition programs, employer branding, HR analytics, process and systems, and more. The HCS Team has identified 'preferred' strategic partners at reduced costs to support some of these services.

We are seeking undergraduate and MBA students with a strong interest in the intersection between venture capital and human resources.

Responsibilities

* Support executives and founders across the portfolio with talent acquisition and recruiting assistance.

* HCS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy - research and recommend AI opportunities that can be leveraged by the HCS Team.

* Support employer branding initiatives for CI and our portfolio companies, helping attract top emerging talent

* Help manage candidate pipelines, scheduling, and outreach communications

* Assist in organizing and executing recruiting events, info sessions, or career fairs

* Maintain and monitor CI's Talent Network Database, Consider, making infrastructure improvements to optimize the platform

* Conduct research on talent pools, compensation trends, and diversity initiatives to inform recruitment strategy

Qualifications

* Current MBA or undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, Organizational Psychology, or a related field

* Strong interest in venture capital and early-stage innovation

* Based in or studying in Connecticut

* Available to work on-site two days per week (Mondays and Wednesdays required) in New Haven

Skills & Competencies

* Passionate about startups and community building

* Curious, proactive, and adaptable

* Highly organized with strong follow-through

* Skilled communicator who can synthesize complex data

* Team-oriented with a positive attitude and sense of humor

The CI Intern Experience

As a CI Intern, you'll dive into Connecticut's startup ecosystem-learning, building, and connecting along the way.

You'll have an opportunity to:

* Level up your VC skills:
Participate in a structured venture capital curriculum

* Develop professionally:
Attend workshops to enhance business and leadership skills

* Work on real deals:
Collaborate with interns and CI staff on active investments

* Network across Connecticut:
Meet entrepreneurs, portfolio teams, and industry leaders

* Engage with founders:
Attend live pitches and executive sessions

* Shape CI's future:
Contribute to investments and process improvements

* Explore the ecosystem:
Join day trips to portfolio companies and fund partners

* Enjoy perks:
Great food, fun events, and exclusive CI swag

Equal Opportunity Employer

Connecticut Innovations is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.