At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation and growth of an AI-powered wellness company from the ground up.
- Company: AINAD, a dynamic venture studio focused on AI-native startups.
- 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 expert resources.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fitness accessibility while transitioning to CEO with equity.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-growth startups 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 for AI-powered Wellness Venture (AINAD Portfolio) employer: AINAD
AINAD is an exceptional employer for entrepreneurial leaders seeking to make a significant impact in the wellness sector. With a unique 'founder with a safety net' opportunity, you will have direct access to a wealth of resources and support from an experienced venture studio, allowing you to shape the company's culture and trajectory from the ground up. The flexible working arrangements and emphasis on meaningful engagement with communities ensure that you can thrive both personally and professionally while driving sustainable fitness transformations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder-in-Residence for AI-powered Wellness Venture (AINAD Portfolio)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fitness and wellness space. 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 fitness and wellness! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking, make sure to share your personal journey and how it aligns with their mission. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨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 contributing to their vision. A well-crafted message can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got all the resources you need to showcase your skills and passion. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role and highlighting your relevant experience in building and scaling ventures.
We think you need these skills to ace Founder-in-Residence for AI-powered Wellness Venture (AINAD Portfolio)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine enthusiasm for fitness and wellness in your application. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight why this venture excites you and how it aligns with your values.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Highlight your entrepreneurial journey, especially any experience in building or scaling startups, as we want to see how you can take our venture from zero to one.
Craft a Compelling Note:In your short note, be clear and concise about why you’re the perfect fit for the Founder-in-Residence role. Discuss your vision for the AI-native Wellness venture and how you plan to achieve product-market fit and growth.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the process.
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. Be ready to discuss your ideas on making personal training accessible and how you plan to achieve product-market fit.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your past experiences as a founder or senior operator in high-growth startups. Prepare specific examples of how you've taken products from zero to one, focusing on your role in driving growth and managing outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the venture.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Express your genuine passion for fitness and wellbeing during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to the industry. This will help you resonate with the interviewers and show that you're not just looking for a job, but are truly invested in the mission.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Anticipate questions about your approach to building a team and executing go-to-market strategies. Think about how you would set up lean operations and track performance metrics. Being prepared with thoughtful answers will showcase your strategic mindset and readiness for the role.