Research and Strategy Associate

Job Description

Company Description:

Kira Studio is a venture studio cum micro VC firm supporting early-stage companies and driving innovation in the fields of Fintech, Applied Cryptography, Gametech, Tech Infra, and related areas. Our mission is to identify and nurture groundbreaking ideas, transforming them into successful businesses. We are seeking a Research and Strategy Associate to join our team and contribute to our mission of nurturing groundbreaking ideas and transforming them into successful ventures.

Role Overview:

The Research and Strategy Associate, will be responsible for conducting in-depth research, supporting user research initiatives, and facilitating the scaling process for our incubatee and investee companies. The role will involve conducting market analysis, assisting with user research, adopting beta users for early-stage companies, and connecting our investment companies with relevant stakeholders. Through a in-depth contributions, the role will play a key role in shaping the success and growth trajectory of our portfolio companies.

Responsibilities:

Research and Due Diligence:

• Conduct comprehensive market research (primary and secondary) on new technology-based business ideas and evaluate their commercial viability.
• Collaborate with the investment team to conduct due diligence on potential investment opportunities.
• Assess market potential, competitive landscape, financial projections, and business models to inform investment decisions.
• Stay updated on industry developments, technological advancements, and regulatory rules that impact our focus areas.
• Prepare investment reports and contribute to investment committee presentations.

User Research and Beta Testing:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and execute user research studies, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing.
• Gather and analyze user feedback, identifying pain points, preferences, and areas for improvement.
• Translate user insights into actionable recommendations for product development and refinement.
• Work closely with early-stage incubatee companies to identify and onboard beta users for product testing and validation.
• Develop strategies to engage and retain beta users, ensuring effective feedback loops for iterative product development.
• Monitor user adoption and satisfaction metrics, providing insights to inform product strategy and market positioning.

Facilitate Scaling:

• Identify and connect investment companies with relevant stakeholders, including potential partners, customers, industry experts, and mentors.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with industry influencers, incubators, accelerators, and ecosystem players to create opportunities for scaling.
• Provide guidance and support to investment companies in developing and executing scaling strategies, leveraging your research and market knowledge.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Economics, Technology or a related discipline).
• Proven experience in conducting market research, competitive analysis, and industry trend analysis.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies, such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to gather and interpret data to drive strategic decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to build relationships and network effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with a passion for innovation, startups, and emerging technologies.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools/software (e.g., Excel, Tableau)

Skills