Director, Investments - IAF

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a charitable organization and North America’s largest urban innovation hub, dedicated to helping high-growth technology companies succeed. With a focus on climate, health sciences and other emerging technologies, MaRS supports startups tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. Through its world-class facilities, strategic programs and partnerships, MaRS accelerates the adoption of groundbreaking Canadian technology and bolsters a globally competitive innovation ecosystem. MaRS is the place where you can play a meaningful role in the innovation economy.

About the IAF

Launched in 2008, MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund (IAF) has grown into one of Canada’s most active early-stage venture capital funds. With a deep commitment to Ontario’s innovation ecosystem, MaRS IAF is a multi-sector fund, providing the capital, mentorship and networks needed to build global transformative companies.

About the Role

The Director, Investments sources and leads early-stage investments in Ontario technology companies, bringing technical depth and commercial judgment. Reporting to the Managing Director, this person also manages selected existing portfolio companies, leads follow-on investment recommendations and takes board or observer roles where appropriate. The role works closely with Platform and helps develop junior investors.

Key Responsibilities

Source and lead investments

• Build relationships with founders, investors and technical experts to find promising companies. Lead investments from initial assessment through negotiation and closing, working with founders, co-investors and legal counsel.

Build investment conviction

• Assess the team, market, business model and technology, including feasibility, product readiness, defensibility and commercial adoption. Use external experts where needed. Evaluate valuation, ownership and potential returns; prepare clear recommendations for the Investment Committee.

Manage portfolio investments and follow-ons

• Own relationships with selected new and existing portfolio companies. Track progress, runway and financing needs. Lead recommendations on whether to invest further, how much and on what terms. Work through complex financings and exit opportunities with founders and other shareholders.

Contribute to governance and founder support

• Serve as a board director or observer where appropriate. Work with founders and other investors on strategy, financing and key decisions. Partner with Platform to identify needs and coordinate practical support.

Develop the team

• Coach junior investors, delegate work and give clear feedback. Contribute to investment theses and improve how the team evaluates opportunities, shares information and manages portfolio responsibilities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, including a demonstrated track record of leading early-stage investments and managing portfolio companies through subsequent financings and key decisions.
• Technical depth in a relevant sector; strong commercial and financial judgment; clear writing and negotiation; ability to lead deals independently, coach colleagues and collaborate. Integrity and sound judgment with sensitive information.

Nice to Have:

• Degree in engineering, computer science, science or another relevant technical field.
• Hands-on experience building or commercializing technology; board director or observer experience; exposure to complex financings and exits.
• Established founder, investor and technical networks; ability to assess opportunities across sectors and help teams navigate product development and growth.

What we offer:

• Base Salary Range for this role: $150,000 - $170,000
• Annual Discretionary Incentive Pay
• RRSP Matching
• Comprehensive extended healthcare benefits
• Wellness spending account
• Generous paid time-off, starting at five weeks per year

We actively encourage all candidates to apply, including those from equity-deserving communities.

If you're passionate about the role and believe you can make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you, even if you don't meet every listed qualification. We’re always looking for great talent to join our team.

Please reach out to careers@marsdd.com if there’s anything we can do to make your experience more accessible and inclusive, including accommodations. Include 'Accessibility Request' in your subject line.

This posting will close at 12pm EDT on November 23, 2026. However, we may close the posting earlier if we receive a high volume of qualified applications or if the position is filled before the deadline. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada, reside in Ontario and be willing to work out of our Toronto office (101 College Street) a minimum of 3 days per week.

This posting is for a new vacancy.

Our Applicant Tracking System, BambooHR, does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI). From time to time MaRS may use AI in our screening, assessment, and selection processes.