Job Title: Deep-, High-, or Bio-Tech Startup (Co-)founders (CEOs/CCOs)
Organisation: Via Delft Enterprises (Delft University of Technology)
Location: Delft, Netherlands
About Us: Academic research at Delft University of Technology (TUD) often leads to groundbreaking inventions, ideas and/or intellectual property which can be translated into economic and social value for society. One method is by founding deep-, high-, and bio-tech spin-off companies. On behalf of TU Delft, Delft Enterprises aims to empower entrepreneurial employees and speed up the development of TU Delft spin-off companies. With roughly 10 early-stage spin-offs per year, we are frequently seeking (part-time and full-time) business (co-) founders (CEO/CCO) to complement the academic founder(s) in the spin-offs.
Position Overview: As co-founder (CEO/CCO), you will be at the forefront of transforming cutting-edge research into market-ready products. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the company, build a world-class team, and drive the successful commercialisation of groundbreaking technologies to reshape industries and improve lives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Commercialisation, Market Research and Management:
– Ensuring alignment with market needs, competitive positioning and oversee product development.
– Lead the formulation and implementation of short-term and long-term business plans. - Funding and Financial Management:
– Pursue funding opportunities, including grants, investments, and partnerships to fuel the growth of the spin-off.
– Develop and manage budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and effective resource allocation. - Team Building and Strategic Leadership
– Develop and execute a compelling business strategy aligned with the startup’s mission and goals.
– Build a high-performing, collaborative team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. - Stakeholder Engagement:
– Initiate and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, industry partners, and regulatory bodies.
– Represent the startup at industry events, conferences, and networking forums.
Qualifications:
- Experience in executive leadership roles within (deep-, high- or bio-tech) startups or technology-driven companies. Or experience in tech-related commercial, business development or management consulting roles.
- Affinity with commercialising technologies, customer discovery, sales and raising innovation subsidies and venture capital investments.
- Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to coordinate, inspire and motivate a diverse team.
- A master’s degree in a relevant field (engineering, technology, business, or a related discipline).
Compensation: As a (co-)founder (CEO/CCO) you will be compensated through shares in the spin-off company. Once subsidies or investments are raised, generally after some months, you can also start paying yourselves a modest (startup appropriate) salary.
How to Apply: Interested candidates can submit their resume to [r.b.j.bonants@tudelft.nl] with the subject line “Startup Co-founder (CEO/CCO) Application – [Your Name].” Please also include the sectors and/or technologies of your interest in the email e.g. Energy, Chemistry, Health, Life Sciences, Agrifood, Horticulture, Water, Maritime, Aerospace, Logistics, AI, Quantum, ICT, Advanced Materials, Photonics, Photovoltaics, Optical, Fabrication, Materials.
We commit to diversity and inclusion, and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us on the frontier of deep-tech innovation and be a key player in shaping a sustainable future through the application of (new) technology!
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