CEO / Co-Founder

We are spinning out a startup in the consumer IoT space built around patented technology and are looking for a CEO & Co-Founder to lead the effort. The products are exciting, low-cost devices that address large markets. The space has been well-researched, the products well-defined, and the patents will provide fundamental protection and attractive margins for the company’s core products.

As CEO you must be able to recruit a team, raise funding, and convert the product vision into a reality. The product concept is one that would lend itself well to crowdfunding on sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, yet also be something that will interest professional investors. Seed funding is available, as is assistance from the research group which developed the technology.

You, of course, must be a self-starter, well-motivated, and have the perseverance to overcome challenges and see things through to a successful conclusion. While you do not necessarily need to have experience as a CEO, you need to have a track record of success, an ability to lead, and the creativity, intellect, and drive to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.

Your equity stake in the business will be similar to what co-founders typically get. You may locate the business where you wish. And while the inventing group will be there to advise and consult, you will run the company as would any CEO.

Responsibilities

• Establish a vision; align team members to the vision
• Package and present the concept to the public and pre-sell units on Kickstarter or Indiegogo
• Engage with, and successfully raise money from professional investors
• Engage and learn from potential customers – get feedback, incorporate into products, create something customers will love
• Provide technical leadership – translate product concepts into functional reality that delivers exceptional customer experience
• Recruit, onboard and guide exceptional technical, product, marketing, and other talent
• Identify, select, and be able to manage world-class manufacturing partners
• Demonstrate business and financial acumen – be a champion of growth while considering the cost implications
• Be a quick study and learner – get things done

Desired Skills and Experience

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree. Computer science or engineering degree is a plus
• Startup experience desired
• Experience with consumer electronics and high-volume devices a plus

Other Qualifications:

• Relentless work ethic
• Experience scaling pre-revenue startup to substantial business
• Strong strategic thinking skills, ability to translate strategy into actionable plans
• Innovative thinking and intellectual agility;
• Ability to recognize a need to pivot
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, adapt to change
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated relationship building and partnering skills, internally and externally