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Operator-In-Residence (OIR): Semiconductors

About the Company

Primary is the largest early-stage venture firm in the world, with $1B in assets under management, investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups based in New York City. The firm’s Incubation arm, Primary Labs, launched in 2019 to support the ideation, research and launch of new startups. Primary’s first three incubated companies will return its first fund many times over, and Primary is now primed for substantial growth in its Incubation efforts. Check out our blog post, “What Invention and Incubation have in Common” to learn more about Primary’s incubation philosophy.

About the Roles

Primary Labs is looking for two Operators-In-Residence (OIR) to join its Incubation program with a focus on opportunities within the semiconductor industry.

We’re amidst the biggest infrastructure build out in decades. There is $1T+ of cap-ex going into building out AI infrastructure over the next decade, with much of that spend going into compute. With complexity, scale, and demand rising, we believe the semiconductor industry needs new innovation, across software and hardware. As a result, we believe there is a unique opportunity for new entrants to start generational companies in the semiconductor industry. We’ve built a deep network of experts to support us in this journey. We believe incubation is the next step to double down in this category.

We at Primary have a concerted focus to invest in and incubate businesses across the semis and data center value chain, a recent example being Etched, the world’s first transformer ASIC. Etched is disrupting the GPU market with a product purpose built for transformer inference, enabling use cases we never could have imagined like real-time video games. The company recently raised a $120M Series A, with features in TechCrunch and Crunchbase.

We are hiring two Operators in Residence to approach opportunities in the space in two different ways:

  1. Role 1 (Academia): Explore ways to commercialize academic research being done in this sector. We are looking to hire an individual who will be solely focused on connecting with semiconductor, networking, memory and power/cooling academics and exploring opportunities to commercialize their research by partnering to incubate a business.

    The right person for this role is technical enough to “talk the talk” with semiconductor experts and academics, with experience at companies building in the semiconductor space (chips, EDA, etc). They should be excited about building a business from the ground up (0 to 1) and have a passion for researching and identifying new opportunities within this evolving space. Above all, they must believe that there is a unique opportunity to build a multi-billion-dollar business in the semiconductor space.

  2. Role 2 (Commercial): Dive deep into the semiconductor industry and identify green field areas where there is an opportunity to incubate a new business. We are looking to hire an individual who will gain a deep understanding of the commercial semiconductor industry (including EDA, software surrounding the data center, etc), perform intensive customer discovery and work with our investment team to identify areas for new businesses to be built.

    The right person for this role is someone who has experience performing research and analysis on the semiconductor, networking, memory and power/cooling industry more broadly, in order to gain a full understanding of the landscape. Ideally this person is commercially minded and already has a depth of knowledge on incumbents and newer entrants to the space. They should be excited about building a business from the ground up (0 to 1) and have a passion for researching and identifying new opportunities within this evolving space. They should feel comfortable talking to technical operators in the semiconductor industry, but they themselves do not need to be technical. Above all, they must believe that there is a unique opportunity to build a multi-billion-dollar business in the semiconductor space.

What You'll Do

  • Support Primary’s idea generation and vetting process

  • Connect with academics and researchers and top institutions and learn about their work in order to explore opportunities for commercialization

  • Conduct intensive market analysis, competitive landscaping and customer research

  • Develop business models, product roadmaps, and go-to-market strategies for the most promising startup ideas

  • Create pitch decks and other investor materials

  • Join the company in its launch phase as a founding team member responsible for gaining initial traction, building out the rest of the team, and supporting business operations or go back to the drawing board with the Incubation program all over again

  • Support Primary’s executive recruiters in identifying and closing your Co-Founders

About You

  • Self-starter: you have an entrepreneur’s intrinsic motivation, capable of independently running with business ideas with substantial ambiguity

  • Network-builder: you’re comfortable developing relationships with industry leaders from the ground up

  • Entrepreneurial: you are eager to engage in the venture and startup ecosystem and have your finger on the pulse when it comes to new deals and emerging business models in the semiconductor landscape

  • Storyteller: you’re able to learn rapidly, develop a strong point of view, and communicate compelling narratives

  • Commercially-minded: you are comfortable with financial models and concepts and can quickly assess the feasibility and scalability of a new venture idea

  • 4+ years of experience in the semiconductor space, or doing research/analysis on the category, with technical acumen

  • Masters or PHD not required but a plus

What You Should Know About Operator-In-Residence (OIR): Semiconductors, Primary

At Primary Labs, we’re thrilled to announce our search for two dynamic Operators-In-Residence (OIR) in the semiconductor sector! As the largest early-stage venture firm globally, and with a strong focus on nurturing innovative startups, you'll have a unique chance to shape a multi-billion-dollar business in a groundbreaking industry. The world is on the brink of an infrastructure renaissance, with over $1 trillion being injected into AI infrastructure, and we believe that fresh ideas in semiconductors are vital to support this growth. In this role, you’ll dive into the incredible landscapes of both academia and commercial markets to scout opportunities for the next wave of innovations. Whether you’re passionate about collaborating with top researchers to commercialize cutting-edge academic work or eager to uncover gaps in the semiconductor market ripe for new businesses, your entrepreneurial spirit will shine! At Primary Labs, you won't just be an employee; you'll be a founding team member, embarking on a journey from concept to company launch. With the support of a robust network of industry experts, you’ll be equipped to conduct market analyses, develop fool-proof business models, and create compelling pitch decks. If you think you have what it takes to revolutionize the semiconductor industry while working within a friendly and innovative team, we’d love for you to join us on this exciting venture!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Operator-In-Residence (OIR): Semiconductors Role at Primary
What are the key responsibilities of an Operator-In-Residence in semiconductors at Primary Labs?

As an Operator-In-Residence (OIR) at Primary Labs, you will play a crucial role in driving the incubation of innovative businesses within the semiconductor sector. Key responsibilities include connecting with academic researchers, conducting thorough market analyses, developing promising business models, and creating effective go-to-market strategies. You’ll also engage in customer discovery and support the development of investor materials, all while being an integral part of a founding team.

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What qualifications are needed for the Operator-In-Residence position at Primary Labs?

To thrive as an Operator-In-Residence at Primary Labs, you should ideally have at least 4 years of experience in the semiconductor industry or related research areas. A strong entrepreneurial mindset, an ability to connect with industry leaders, and a foundational understanding of commercial financial models are crucial. While a Master's or PhD is considered a plus, your intrinsic motivation and passion for building ventures will be key factors in your success.

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How does Primary Labs support its Operators-In-Residence in the semiconductor space?

Primary Labs provides extensive support to its Operators-In-Residence by connecting them with a vast network of industry experts and resources. You will receive guidance in market research and competitive analysis while being empowered to lead projects from idea generation to execution. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to influence your initiatives significantly, making your experience truly impactful.

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What is the company culture like for Operators-In-Residence at Primary Labs?

At Primary Labs, the culture is collaborative, dynamic, and highly innovative. We encourage our Operators-In-Residence to take ownership of their projects, think creatively, and build relationships within the venture ecosystem. The environment fosters entrepreneurial spirits, allowing individuals to explore and develop their ideas while being part of a team that shares a common vision for transforming the semiconductor industry.

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What growth opportunities can Operators-In-Residence expect at Primary Labs?

Operators-In-Residence at Primary Labs can anticipate significant growth opportunities, as you will be at the forefront of launching new businesses in the semiconductor space. The experience gained in idea commercialization, market analysis, and team building positions you well for future roles as industry leaders or co-founders in emerging startups within the expansive venture landscape.

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Common Interview Questions for Operator-In-Residence (OIR): Semiconductors
Can you explain how your background in the semiconductor industry prepares you for the OIR role at Primary Labs?

When addressing this question, emphasize specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of the OIR role. Discuss relevant roles you've held, projects you've worked on, and how those experiences have equipped you with the skills to identify opportunities and build businesses in the semiconductor space.

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Describe a successful project where you had to collaborate with academic institutions.

Focus on detailing a specific project, your role in it, and the outcome. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with researchers, how you identified commercialization opportunities, and how you navigated any challenges, emphasizing teamwork and initiative.

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What methods do you use for market analysis within the semiconductor industry?

Outline the specific analytical tools or frameworks you utilize, such as SWOT analysis, competitor benchmarking, or customer discovery techniques. Give examples of how you've successfully applied these methods in the past, leading to valuable insights and informed strategic decisions.

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How do you prioritize opportunities when scouting for new business ideas?

Discuss your decision-making process, emphasizing how you evaluate potential ventures based on market need, viability, scalability, and alignment with industry trends. Include any metrics or criteria you consistently apply to ensure sound prioritization.

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What insight do you have regarding the current trends in the semiconductor industry?

Share your knowledge on current trends such as AI compute requirements, advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, or emerging competitors. Displaying a keen understanding of shifts and opportunities demonstrates your readiness for the OIR role.

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How would you approach building relationships with key industry stakeholders?

Highlight your networking strategies, including attending industry events, utilizing social media platforms such as LinkedIn, and leveraging existing relationships. Emphasize the importance of building trust and maintaining open lines of communication to foster long-term collaboration.

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Describe a time you faced a significant challenge in a business venture and how you overcame it.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Clearly describe the context, your role, the challenge faced, and the innovative solutions you implemented, ultimately leading to a positive outcome.

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What role do you believe collaboration plays in the success of incubating new semiconductor businesses?

Discuss the importance of cross-functional collaboration among team members, industry experts, and academic institutions in fostering innovation. Share examples of successful collaboration experiences that have led to effective business outcomes.

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How do you keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of the semiconductor industry?

Mention specific sources you rely on, such as industry journals, webinars, conferences, and professional networks that keep you informed about the latest technological advancements and market dynamics. Your ongoing learning mindset will resonate well with interviewers.

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What excites you most about the opportunity to work as an OIR at Primary Labs?

Articulate your passion for the semiconductor industry and how the role aligns with your career aspirations. Discuss what intrigues you about the company’s mission, the opportunity to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses, and how you aim to contribute to the growth of the sector.

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Primary is building the best experience for busy parents to shop for kids clothes. Founded by two moms who were previously early employees and executives at Diapers.com/Quidsi, Primary offers timeless styles for babies and kids 0-12, all in super ...

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Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
December 11, 2024

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