My Journey from Intern to Investment Vice President
06/016/2026
I joined CM Venture Capital five years ago as an intern. Since then, I have progressed through the roles of Analyst and Associate to become an Investment Vice President. This is not a particularly common career path, and I am grateful to have grown alongside the firm and taken on greater responsibilities at each stage. Today, I focus primarily on investments in the energy and advanced materials sectors. My work involves identifying and assessing investment opportunities, supporting open-innovation projects, and helping multinational corporations connect with promising technology companies. One of my main strengths is bringing people together. Startups and large corporations often work at very different speeds and have different expectations. I try to understand both sides and help them establish productive relationships.
“Successful innovation is not only about finding the right technology. It is also about ensuring that the right people can understand one another and work effectively together.”
How I Approach Investment
When assessing an opportunity, I usually focus on three areas: innovation, people, and the market. First, I look at whether the technology is genuinely innovative and whether it solves an important problem. Second, I focus on the CEO and founding team. Even the strongest technology needs capable, resilient, and committed leaders to commercialize it successfully. Finally, I consider the market and try to identify opportunities before the turning point. I want to understand where the industry is heading and whether the company can build a sustainable position as the market develops. For me, leadership is one of the most important qualities in an entrepreneur.
“Strong leaders do not need to have every answer. They need to surround themselves with the smartest people possible and create an environment in which the whole team can succeed.”
Building Genuine Relationships
When working with founders and corporate clients, I do not think only about how to “build trust.” I focus on creating genuine connections and, ultimately, making friends. Trust develops when you communicate openly, remain consistent, and show that you genuinely want the other person to succeed. The strongest relationships should not feel purely transactional. They should be based on honesty, mutual respect, and long-term alignment. This is particularly important when startups work with multinational corporations. The process can be long and demanding, so founders need patience, financial stability, and an understanding of how large organisations operate. However, when the partnership is successful, it can provide significant validation, industry access, and opportunities for growth.
Lessons from the Team
One experience that left a strong impression on me was our team trip to Huangshan. Our Managing Partner, Patrick, suggested that we walk down the mountain rather than take the easier route. We were initially surprised by how physically demanding the journey became, but we continued to encourage one another along the way. The experience taught me about perseverance and the importance of the people around you.
“A supportive team strengthens morale, helps you overcome challenges, and allows everyone to execute more effectively.”
