Director, Bell Ventures

Summary

The Director, Bell Ventures plays a critical role in shaping and advancing Bell’s corporate venturing and venture capital agenda. Reporting to the Managing Director of Bell Ventures, this role is responsible for defining investment strategy, identifying and evaluating high‑potential growth opportunities, and driving strategic alignment between Bell’s long‑term business priorities and its venture investments. The Director will operate at the intersection of strategy, finance, innovation, and partnerships - accelerating Bell’s exposure to emerging technologies, business models, and ecosystems. 

Why Join Bell Ventures 

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape Bell Canada’s future growth by identifying and scaling the technologies and companies that will define the next generation of communications, media, and digital services. The Director will have significant exposure to senior leadership, meaningful strategic influence, and a front‑row seat to Canada’s innovation ecosystem. 

Key Responsibilities

Venture Strategy & Portfolio Planning 

• Lead the development and evolution of Bell Ventures’ investment thesis, ensuring alignment with Bell’s enterprise strategy and long‑term growth priorities. 
• Conduct market, industry, and technology landscape analyses to identify high‑potential investment themes (e.g., telecom, media, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, fintech, digital platforms). 
• Support portfolio construction decisions, including balance across stages, sectors, and strategic versus financial objectives. 

Investment Evaluation, Negotiation & Decision Support 

• Oversee strategic evaluation of venture investment opportunities, including market attractiveness, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and value‑creation potential for Bell. 
• Partner with business and functional teams to support due diligence, valuation considerations, and investment recommendations for executive and Board‑level forums. 
• Lead end‑to‑end negotiation of venture investments, aligning valuation, deal structure, governance and strategic/commercial rights to advance both financial returns and corporate strategy 
• Prepare high‑quality strategy materials and investment materials for senior leadership and governance committees. 

Strategic Partnerships & Value Creation 

• Act as a strategic advisor to Bell's portfolio of companies, supporting go‑to‑market alignment, partnership opportunities, and commercialization with Bell’s operating units. 
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (Strategy, Finance, Business Units, Technology, Legal) to define, develop and implement commercial partnerships and drive post‑investment value creation. 
• Support ecosystem development by engaging startups, investors, accelerators, and innovation partners domestically and internationally. 

Governance, Reporting & Leadership 

• Contribute to portfolio reviews, performance reporting, and strategic updates for executive leadership. 
• Establish frameworks and metrics to assess strategic impact of venture investments beyond financial return. 
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering strong analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and external market awareness. 

Critical Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in venture capital, private equity, or corporate venture environments. 
• Strong strategic and financial acumen, with experience evaluating growth companies, emerging technologies, or new business models. 
• Proven ability to operate in complex, matrixed organizations and influence senior stakeholders. 
• Excellent executive‑level communication skills, including experience preparing materials for executive leadership and Boards. 
• Undergraduate degree required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred. 

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and structured problem solving 
• Commercial and financial insight 
• Stakeholder leadership and influence 
• Comfort with ambiguity and fast‑moving environments 
• Strong judgement and decision‑making capability