Co-Managing Director, Asia Ocean Fund

Job description

ABOUT US The Asia Ocean Fund is a US$75 million impact investment fund launched by OCTAVE Capital and Katapult Ocean to scale ocean solutions in Asia Pacific. We back innovative companies in maritime decarbonisation, renewable energy, green shipping infrastructure, biodiversity, circular resources, and sustainable aquaculture. With deep roots in Asia and a global investment track record, we aim to deliver strong returns while advancing resilient marine ecosystems, decarbonised maritime industries, and thriving coastal communities. ROLE OVERVIEW We are seeking an experienced and visionary Co-Managing Director to lead the Asia Ocean Fund and establish it as a premier blue economy investment platform in Asia Pacific. The role requires a seasoned investment professional with the ability to combine commercial rigour with systems-level thinking, recognising the interconnected nature of ocean, climate, and economic systems. This role is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the fund, including investment strategy, fundraising and investor relations, deal sourcing and execution, portfolio management, and ecosystem development. The Co-Managing Director will lead a team in overseeing investments, the accelerator programme and Technical Assistance Facility, which play a catalytic role in strengthening the ocean innovation pipeline and enabling the scaling of high-impact ventures across the region. The Co-Managing Director will serve as a key representative of the fund externally, engaging with investors, founders, corporates, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to build a strong and enduring platform for blue economy innovation. The role will primarily be based in Singapore. Job Responsibilities 1. Fund Strategy & Investment Leadership ▪ Lead the strategic development and refinement of the fund’s investment thesis, identifying priority sectors, emerging technologies, and high-potential opportunities within the blue economy. ▪ Build and maintain a strong investment pipeline across Asia Pacific, leveraging regional networks and global partnerships. ▪ Provide leadership across the entire investment lifecycle, including sourcing, screening, diligence, structuring, investment committee presentation, and exit planning. ▪ Ensure the fund maintains high investment discipline, balancing financial performance with impact integrity. ▪ Continuously monitor market developments, policy shifts, and technological trends relevant to ocean and maritime sectors. 2. Deal Execution & Portfolio Value Creation ▪ Lead and oversee due diligence processes, including commercial, financial, technical, legal, and impact assessments. ▪ Structure and negotiate investment transactions, working closely with legal and financial advisors. ▪ Serve as a board director or observer for portfolio companies, supporting governance, strategy, and growth initiatives. ▪ Partner with founders and management teams to accelerate value creation and scaling, including international market expansion, partnerships, and follow-on financing. ▪ Monitor portfolio performance and implement active portfolio management and exit strategies. 3. Fundraising & Investor Relations ▪ Play a leading role in fundraising activities, engaging with institutional investors, family offices, foundations, and development finance institutions. ▪ Develop and maintain strong relationships with Limited Partners, ensuring transparent communication and reporting. ▪ Participate in investor meetings, roadshows, and industry events to position the fund as a leading blue economy investment vehicle in Asia. ▪ Contribute to the preparation of investment committee materials, LP reports, and fund performance updates. 4. Ecosystem Development & Strategic Partnerships ▪ Build strategic relationships with founders, corporates, research institutions, accelerators, and co-investors within the ocean and maritime innovation ecosystem. ▪ Strengthen collaboration with OCTAVE Capital and Katapult Ocean’s platforms to access international and regional deal flow and expertise. ▪ Contribute to the development of the Asia Pacific blue economy ecosystem, positioning the fund as a thought leader and trusted investment partner. ▪ Represent the fund at key industry forums, policy dialogues, and innovation platforms. 5. Platform Building & Team Leadership ▪ Provide leadership and mentorship to the investment team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture. ▪ Oversee internal investment processes, governance, and operational coordination. ▪ Contribute to the development of the fund’s accelerator programme and Technical Assistance Facility, ensuring they effectively support the investment pipeline and portfolio companies. Job Requirements ▪ Experienced professional in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, or related investment roles. ▪ Demonstrated track record of leading investments and serving on company boards, including successful portfolio outcomes. ▪ Experience investing in blue economy, maritime, climate, or sustainability-related sectors is strongly preferred. ▪ Deep understanding of venture investing, financial analysis, valuation methodologies, and transaction structuring. ▪ Proven experience in due diligence across financial, legal, operational, and strategic dimensions. ▪ Experience investing in or working with companies in Asia Pacific or other emerging markets. ▪ Strong track record in impact investing, with familiarity in impact measurement frameworks and systems-level approaches to environmental and social outcomes. ▪ Ability to combine strategic vision with rigorous financial discipline. ▪ Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, investors, and investment committees.