The posting
Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead Strategic Investment Specialist (Vice President level) to join the Principal Technology Investments (PTI) team based in Palo Alto, CA.
The Lead Strategic Investment Specialist is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and executing strategic venture capital and growth equity investment opportunities across enterprise technology sectors, with particular focus on the key domains of fintech, cyber security, artificial intelligence, infrastructure software, and other technology sectors relevant to the future of financial services.
The role combines venture investment expertise, industry knowledge, and relationship management across the technology ecosystem to identify emerging technologies relevant to Wells Fargo's businesses and drive both strategic and financial value creation.
The position plays a key role throughout the investment lifecycle, including sourcing investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, developing investment thesis, executing transactions, and helping manage portfolio companies post-investment.
This position offers a unique opportunity to combine venture investing, strategic technology evaluation, and business development within a major financial institution
In this role, you will:
- Source and evaluate strategic venture and growth equity, structured equity, commercial warrants, and other investment opportunities in technology sectors relevant to Wells Fargo
- Develop and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, venture and corporate investment groups, and other participants within the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem
- Conduct industry research and market analysis to identify emerging technologies, competitive trends, and potential investment themes
- Coordinate business, financial, operational, legal, and technical due diligence efforts for prospective investments
- Build financial models, valuation analyses, investment memos, and investment committee presentations
- Help assess both the financial merits and strategic relevance of investment opportunities to Wells Fargo
- Partner with the managing directors on the team to identify opportunities for commercial warrants, strategic partnerships, and technology adoption for the benefit of Wells Fargo
- Support the team’s managing directors in the structuring, negotiation, execution, and closing of investment transactions
- Monitor portfolio company performance and provide ongoing analysis, quarterly portfolio reporting, and recommendations related to existing investments
- Serve as a relationship manager with portfolio company finance teams and other key stakeholders
- Represent the PTI team at industry conferences, venture capital events, and technology ecosystem meetings, as needed
- Assist with board observer and other governance responsibilities related to portfolio company investments, as needed
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in Strategic Investment Management, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
- 2+ years of experience in venture capital, corporate venture investing, growth capital, private equity, corporate development, or related equity investing transaction experience
- 2+ years of experience analyzing enterprise technology investments in domains such as data & analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning / AI, and infrastructure software, which includes the ability to build financial and operating models and conduct valuation analyses (e.g., DCF analysis, comparable company valuation analysis)
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in venture capital, corporate venture capital, or growth equity investing
- Strong knowledge of enterprise technology markets, including areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data infrastructure, and cloud software
- Demonstrated ability to originate investment opportunities. Strong network and connectivity within the Silicon Valley technology ecosystem, including relationships with entrepreneurs, investment teams at venture capital firms, accelerators, and other innovation community participants
- Experience in structuring equity investments, term sheets, shareholder agreements, and related transaction documents
- Completion of 2+ years in investment banking is preferred
- Intellectual curiosity and passion for emerging technologies, innovation, and the venture ecosystem
- Proficiency leveraging AI-enabled productivity and research tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot and/or similar platforms) to enhance investment sourcing, market research, due diligence, portfolio monitoring, and workflow efficiency
- Ability to work independently or in teams and thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
- Strong work ethics and verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Job Expectations:
- Hybrid work model, 4 days in the office and 1 day remote
- Not eligible for Visa sponsorship
Posting Location:
- 400 Hamilton Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301
Base Salary Range
- Palo Alton, CA $225,000 - $225,000.00 USD Annual
- Salary range is determined by location of the job. May be considered for a discretionary bonus, Restricted Share Rights, or other long-term incentive awards.
Pay Range
Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.
$191,000.00 - $305,000.00
Benefits
Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.
- Health benefits
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid time off
- Disability benefits
- Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
- Parental leave
- Critical caregiving leave
- Discounts and savings
- Commuter benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Scholarships for dependent children
- Adoption reimbursement
Posting End Date:
20 Oct 2026
*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
We Value Equal Opportunity
Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.
Applicants with Disabilities
To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.
Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:
a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.
b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.
