Connecticut Innovations

Drive company growth by identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, implementing sales strategies, and managing client relationships in the retail sector. | 7+ years B2B sales experience with consumer products and retailers, strong negotiation and communication skills, ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment, and willingness to travel. | Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation’s vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220+ companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, climate tech, and consumer products. Come join Home | bzaar.com | India Supply Chain Partner as a Business Development Manager! Bzaar Overview Founded in 2020, Bzaar is a venture-backed, B2B cross-border party supply chain company, revolutionizing the way U.S. retailers source from India. We are powering the ‘China+1’ shift to India in consumer goods by investing in manufacturing, factory automation, talent and processes. Today our manufactured goods are available at top-tier US retailers and brands. We are strong believers in the power of technology, design and automation to create world-class products for global consumers. Our team includes graduates from Stanford, Kellogg, USC, NIFT design school, and have worked at top companies including Amazon, Walmart/Flipkart, Maruti Suzuki, Williams Sonoma, etc. We are building a $100M+ business across Paper Party Supplies – serving retailers, brands and wholesalers. Currently we manufacture Paper Plates, Napkins, Cups & Twisted Handle Gift bags with the ability to expand into other paper categories based on business requirements. Bazaar has raised $6 million in seed funding, led by Canaan Partners, and including angel investors Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, PhonePe founders Sameer Nigam and Rahul Chari, Addition founder Lee Fixel and Helion Ventures co-founder Ashish Gupta. Why Bzaar? • The Founders are incredibly knowledgeable on ecommerce strategy, well-connected to the supplier ecosystem in India, and know the value that can be created by enabling retailers to digitally source products across borders • The global party supplies market size was valued at $15.80 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $33 Billion by 2033 • India is well-positioned as an alternative to China, given the ready supply of raw materials, rapid mechanization and improved infrastructure • North America is the most significant global party supplies market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.80% between 2025-2033 • 55% of the company’s current revenue is from repeat buyers and on-time delivery is over 90% As part of our growth ambitions, Bzaar will be establishing a U.S. office in the Northeast and will be hiring multiple U.S.-based business development, product development, and designer positions. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team and be part of a community that is shaping the future of cross-border ecommerce with India suppliers. Position Overview As a Business Development leader, you will play a pivotal role in driving the company's growth with retailers. You will identify new business opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and implement sales strategies to increase revenue. This role will partner with the Senior Management Team on go-to-market strategy in the U.S. Responsibilities • Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the retail sector. • Develop and implement effective sales strategies to drive revenue growth. • Build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners and clients. • Conduct market research to identify industry trends and opportunities. • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure the successful delivery of services. • Prepare and present sales proposals and product demonstrations to potential clients. • Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs. • Maintain detailed records of sales activities and client interactions. Requirements • 7+ years of B2B sales experience with consumer products and business development activities with retailers • Proven experience in retail sales or business development. • Sales experience with party supplies and small accessories is strongly preferred. • Strong understanding of the retail industry and market dynamics. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Ability to build and maintain professional relationships. • Strong negotiation and closing skills. • Self-motivated with a results-driven approach. • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, early-stage company with minimal resources. • Strong data management and project management skills. • Ability to use data analytics to guide decisions and judgment. • Confidence in communication, public speaking, and presenting • Willingness to travel as required. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Bzaar is committed to diversity and the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees. You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national, social, or ethnic origin, age, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, family or parental status, military status, marital status, mental or physical disabilities, or any other status protected by law.

Provide onsite training, support, and troubleshooting for SedMed devices to frontline healthcare staff in hospitals and rehab settings. | Minimum 3 years hands-on nursing or patient care experience in hospital settings, ability to be credentialed for acute care, strong communication and training skills, and willingness to travel. | Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation’s vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220+ companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech. Come join SedMed - Toilet Lift Assist - Toilet Lifts, Bedside Commodes as an Onsite Clinical Educator (Per Diem)! Location: Flexible — must be able to travel to client hospitals and facilities in the region About SedMed SedMed is a venture-backed, Connecticut-based medical equipment company uniquely addressing the $42 billion assistive technology market opportunity. The SedMed toilet Lift Assist improves the safety and independence of those who struggle with activities of daily living and reduces injuries to healthcare workers. We have designed and manufactured the only hydraulic toilet seat lifter that mounts onto any toilet with 2 bolts and in 2 minutes. SedMed provides up to 80% assistance in raising a user’s body weight on/off the toilet using no electricity. Why is this important? • People 85 and older suffer more than 50% of injuries near the toilet • The average healthcare workers’ compensation claim is ~$42,000; 24% of those claims are due to overexertion SedMed has shipped over 200 products, is partnering with 25 healthcare facilities and has signed contracts with 4 distributors at present and actively negotiating with others. We have secured funding to support a three-phased commercial plan nationally. Onsite Clinical Educator (Per Diem) | Position Overview SedMed is looking for a clinically experienced, boots-on-the-ground type of person to help bridge the gap between our technology and frontline care teams. We need someone who knows how to speak the language of CNAs, PCAs, and RNs—and who isn’t afraid to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and be hands-on in real-world use. This is a contract, per diem opportunity that offers flexibility and is structured on a 1099 basis. The demand is rising rapidly for the needs of this role. You’ll be our go-to clinical partner for implementation, training, and troubleshooting in rehab and hospital settings, helping ensure SedMed becomes a meaningful part of the patient care workflow. What You’ll Do • Be on-site during onboarding, implementation, or follow-up visits with clients (on-demand, as needed) • Train and support nursing staff (PCAs, CNAs, RNs) on SedMed device usage • Get hands on with the device and patient handling training • Investigate adoption progress directly with staff—ask questions, observe workflows, and provide actionable feedback • Encourage and coach staff on patient handling best practices using the device • Help troubleshoot common objections • Collaborate with the SedMed team to improve training strategies and materials Who Are You • Minimum 3 years of hands-on nursing/ patient care experience in hospital settings. We're looking for someone who’s been directly involved in patient care—who understands the challenges frontline staff face and can speak their language. • Must be able to be security and health credentialed for acute care setting with patients • Curious, investigative, and not afraid to ask “why” - Very Important • Clinical background (RN, PCA or CNA); experience in hospitals or rehab settings is a must • Energetic and persuasive—you know how to encourage buy-in without being overbearing • Comfortable communicating with frontline staff and leadership • Flexibility availability; able to show up on-site when needed and willing to travel • Experience with patient handling or DME is a plus Engagement Type • Part-time / On-call / Contract • Travel required to client sites (CT, NY, PA, and likely other states) Compensation SedMed will compensate on a per diem basis, and for needs less than 8 hours, SedMed will pay at an hourly rate. Please note that the per diem rate can exceed 8 hours spent at a facility/hospital (for example, to train multiple shifts, though not necessarily working the entire time). • Per diem rate: $320/day. This may include a full-day schedule (e.g., up to 12 hours at a hospital to cover multiple staff shifts). • Hourly rate: $40/hour for jobs less than the per diem. • Payment schedule: Agent per diem and hourly compensation will be paid on a bi-weekly basis for days and/or hours worked during each two-week period. Travel Reimbursement • Mileage reimbursed • Airfare, rental cars, rideshare/taxis, and other necessary transportation are fully covered. • Meals during travel are reimbursable. • Travel time: Travel time itself is not separately compensated beyond the daily or hourly rate. Connecticut Innovations and its portfolio companies are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We have strict wage minimums, generous benefits, and personal leave policies. Our goal is to provide safe, rewarding, and empowering work environments for all who interact with our company and/or portfolio companies.