At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation and growth of an AI-native wellness startup, shaping its vision and strategy.
- Company: AINAD, a dynamic venture studio focused on scaling innovative AI companies.
- Benefits: Unique founder opportunity with support from experienced professionals and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Flexible location with hybrid/remote work options and direct access to essential resources.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of making personal training accessible to everyone while growing into a CEO role.
- Qualifications: Experience in startups, strong leadership skills, and a passion for fitness and community building.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
AINAD is a London-based venture studio and venture-building platform focused on creating and scaling AI-native companies across sectors including health, education, fintech and sustainability. It provides portfolio companies with hands-on support across product, engineering, growth, capital formation and operations, helping early-stage ventures move faster with more structure and access to specialists.
We are looking for a Founder-in-Residence who will take end-to-end ownership of building and scaling our AI-native portfolio company, with a clear and structured pathway into the Chief Executive Officer role.
About our AI-native Wellness Venture: Our AI-native Wellness venture is on a mission to make expert-level personal training accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or location, helping millions achieve sustainable fitness transformations.
The Role: As Founder-in-Residence, you will act as the de facto founder/CEO-in-waiting of the portfolio company. You’ll own strategy, product, growth and operations from day one, working closely with AINAD’s partners and shared services. As you achieve key milestones (product–market fit, early scale, core team in place), the role transitions into the formal CEO position with corresponding equity and governance. This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial leader who wants to build a company from the ground up with the backing of a venture studio, rather than joining a fully formed organisation.
What You’ll Do:
- Define and evolve portfolio company’s vision, strategy and roadmap, in partnership with AINAD.
- Lead customer discovery and product development to achieve product–market fit in target segments (consumers, gyms, trainers, nutritionists).
- Design and execute go-to-market and growth strategies, including local market launches and partnerships.
- Build and manage the initial core team across product, growth, operations and support.
- Set up lean operations, processes and metrics to track performance and drive disciplined execution.
- Work with AINAD on fundraising, investor materials and strategic partnerships as the company scales.
- Gradually assume full CEO responsibilities as milestones are met (team, traction, revenue, governance).
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience as a founder/co-founder or senior operator in a high-growth startup (ideally consumer tech, marketplace, fitness/wellness or community products).
- Proven track record of taking something from zero to one (and beyond) – launching products, driving growth, and owning outcomes.
- Strong product and customer instincts; comfortable running experiments and making decisions from data and user insight.
- Commercial and growth mindset, with an understanding of unit economics and sustainable acquisition.
- Leadership and communication skills to attract, inspire and align a small, high-performing team and external stakeholders.
- Genuine passion for fitness, wellbeing and building communities.
What We Offer: A unique "founder with a safety net" opportunity: you build like a founder, with the backing of an experienced venture studio. Direct access to AINAD’s product, engineering, growth, talent, finance and legal support. The chance to shape a company’s culture, product and trajectory from the earliest stage.
Location: We are flexible on location, with a preference for candidates who can spend meaningful time in key markets (e.g. US/UK/Europe) and on the ground with gyms, trainers and communities. Hybrid/remote working is supported.
If you’re an entrepreneurial builder who wants to lead a venture from the earliest stages through to CEO, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV/LinkedIn and a short note on why you’re excited about social fitness venture and this Founder-in-Residence path.
Founder-in-Residence: AI Wellness Startup to CEO employer: AINAD
AINAD is an exceptional employer for entrepreneurial leaders looking to make a significant impact in the AI wellness sector. With a unique 'founder with a safety net' opportunity, you will receive unparalleled support from an experienced venture studio while having the autonomy to shape your company's vision and culture. The flexible working arrangements and access to key markets across the US, UK, and Europe further enhance the appeal, making it an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder-in-Residence: AI Wellness Startup to CEO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fitness and wellness industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors or collaborators. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for AI and wellness! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking, make sure to express your genuine interest in how AI can transform personal training. Share your ideas and insights; it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like AINAD, and express your interest in their mission. A well-crafted message can go a long way in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take on the challenge of building something amazing.
We think you need these skills to ace Founder-in-Residence: AI Wellness Startup to CEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for fitness and wellness! In your application, share why this venture excites you and how your background aligns with our mission to make personal training accessible to everyone.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in high-growth startups or the fitness/wellness sector. We want to see how you've taken ideas from zero to one and driven growth in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Note:Alongside your CV, include a short note that captures your vision for the AI-native Wellness venture. This is your chance to show us your strategic thinking and how you plan to lead the company towards success.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to become our Founder-in-Residence!
How to prepare for a job interview at AINAD
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to clearly define your vision for the AI-native wellness venture. Think about how you would evolve the company's strategy and roadmap. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are ready to take ownership from day one.
✨Demonstrate Your Growth Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've successfully driven growth in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented, especially in consumer tech or wellness sectors. This will highlight your commercial acumen and understanding of sustainable acquisition.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think about how you can inspire and align a high-performing team. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've built strong teams in the past. This is crucial as you'll be managing the initial core team right from the start.
✨Be Passionate About Fitness
Your genuine passion for fitness and wellbeing should shine through during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to the mission of making expert-level personal training accessible. This will resonate with the interviewers and show that you're a great cultural fit.
