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.
Connecticut Bioscience Innovation Fund (CBIF)
Through the $200 million CBIF, CI accelerates bioscience breakthroughs by providing equity investments and loans. The portfolio includes 100+ companies across digital health, biotech, pharma, diagnostics, life science tools, and medical devices.
Since 2013, bioscience investments have more than doubled, leveraging $3.5+ billion in outside capital
Recent IPOs: Arvinas, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, RallyBio, Sema4
Recent acquisitions: Avitus, Biorez, DiA Imaging Analysis, Diameter Health, Medically Home, Populi
Venture Team Internship
Join CI’s Venture 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.
We seek MBA, PhD, MS, or MPH students passionate about venture capital—especially those with backgrounds in life sciences or healthcare—who are enrolled in or reside in Connecticut.
The CBIF Venture Team is small in size, but each team member plays a pivotal role in investment due diligence and post-investment portfolio growth. The team values diverse perspectives, bold thinking, and mission alignment.
Responsibilities
Collect and analyze data on portfolio activity, industries, markets, and competitors
Support investment monitoring, financial analysis, and market research
Assist with due diligence, including business plan assessment and company evaluations
Build financial models and prepare presentations for the CI Investment Committee
Contribute to lead generation, sourcing, and business development activities
Qualifications
Current or recent MBA, PhD, MS, or MPH student
Strong interest in venture capital and early-stage innovation
Research or professional experience in life sciences or healthcare
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.