Full-Time
Founder Scout
New York, USA
Base Salary + Equity
About Us:
Neon Venture Studio is a next-generation venture builder with teams in New York and Istanbul. We launch AI-powered startups in-house, validate them through real-world traction, and assign trained founders only after product-market fit is proven. Our model blends execution speed with strategic discipline — and we back every spinout with funding, talent, and operational support from Day 1. Now, we’re looking for a Founder Scout to help us find and develop the exceptional founders who will lead our next wave of ventures.
Job Description:
We are looking for a mission-driven, highly organized Founder Scout to lead the sourcing, selection, and development of founders for our in-house startups. In this role, you’ll run our full Founder Academy program — from recruiting and evaluating candidates to managing the 4-week training track that prepares them to take over validated companies. You’ll work closely with studio leadership to build a top-tier pipeline and ensure every assigned founder is ready to scale a venture-backed company from day one.
Key Responsibilities:
Source high-potential founder candidates through research, referrals, events, and ecosystem outreach
Own the end-to-end pipeline — from applications and interviews to onboarding and spinout placement
Lead and manage the 4-week Founder Academy program, including workshops, training sessions, and pitch simulations
Refine founder selection frameworks, scoring rubrics, and program curriculum
Coordinate and host in-person sessions, mock demo days, and investor-style evaluations in New York
Collaborate with studio partners to match founders with validated MVPs post-program
Support founders in pitch development, fundraising readiness, and go-to-market planning
Track performance of founders pre- and post-placement to ensure long-term success
Requirements:
3–6 years of experience in venture capital, startup acceleration, recruiting, or founder programs
Proven instincts for identifying strong entrepreneurial talent and assessing founder-market fit
Experience managing structured programs or talent funnels
Strong facilitation and communication skills — both one-on-one and in group settings
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in fast-paced environments
Based in New York or willing to relocate
Fluent in English (written and verbal)
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience as a founder, investor, or startup operator
Familiarity with venture studios, founder-in-residence programs, or early-stage investing
Comfort with tools like Notion, Airtable, Slack, and Zoom
Knowledge of the AI startup landscape is a plus
What We Offer:
Competitive base salary
Equity access in spinouts you help build
A key role at the intersection of talent, venture creation, and startup execution
Direct access to a high-volume, high-velocity pipeline of validated startup opportunities
The opportunity to shape the future leadership of multiple real companies
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