Managing Director Startlife Studio

StartLife has been supporting entrepreneurs since 2010 in building and scaling agrifood start-ups with a lasting impact. To transition to a more climate positive food system, StartLife is initiating a venture studio which is curating transformative technologies and ambitious founders. Just like you, ready to make waves. StartLife is seeking a visionary Managing Director for the Studio. Highlights

StartLife is on a mission to accelerate agrifoodtech startups shaping a sustainable food system. As the Managing Director you will be the face of StartLife’s new Studio, and you will play a key role in shaping the future of agrifoodtech innovation. The StartLife Studio will scout and screen underutilized IP and connect this to ambitious researchers and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Ultimately initiating five new agrifoodtech ventures every year.

As the Managing Director, you will be driving the agenda of StartLife’s Studio, engaging with the food & ag community, limited partners, and founders. You will lead the investment committee and provide strategic guidance for investment decisions, ensuring the growth and success of StartLife’s venture studio.

• Chair the investment committee, guiding strategic decisions.
• Build strong relationships and report to the studio’s investors.
• Provide valuable support to New Ventures in raising follow-on funding.
• Represent the studio at internal and public events.
• Safeguard the venture studio's interests and ensure legal compliance.

The StartLife Studio offers a competitive salary based on experience and skills. This is a part-time position (24 hrs/w), requiring a long-term commitment. As the Managing Director of the StartLife Studio, you will have the opportunity to invest in the studio. You will be part of a dynamic and purpose-driven team that is set to make a difference in the agri-food tech sector.

You are an outgoing and charismatic individual, adept at establishing and nurturing trustful relationships with various stakeholders. You firmly believe in the crucial role startups play in accelerating the transition towards climate-positive food systems, and you are driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact in the agrifood industry. You adapt seamlessly to both formal and informal settings. Committed for the long term, you are driven by creating lasting impact on the agrifood industry.

• Academic degree
• A financial background
• Experience and a proven track record as investment manager
• Experience working in a (corporate) venture fund
• Brings in an investor network.
• Leadership skills
• Affinity with early-stage startups in agrifood
• Good command of English and preferably Dutch

Wageningen - Hybrid