At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation and growth of an AI-native wellness company, shaping its vision and strategy.
- Company: AINAD, a dynamic venture studio focused on scaling AI-native companies.
- Benefits: Unique founder opportunity with support from experienced professionals and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Flexible location with hybrid/remote work options and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Become a CEO while building a company that transforms fitness accessibility for everyone.
- Qualifications: Experience in startups, strong leadership skills, and a passion for fitness and community.
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 - Pathway to Chief Executive Officer employer: AINAD
AINAD is an exceptional employer that empowers entrepreneurial leaders to build and scale AI-native companies with the support of a seasoned venture studio. With a unique 'founder with a safety net' opportunity, employees benefit from direct access to expert resources across product, engineering, and growth, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. The flexible location policy and emphasis on meaningful engagement in key markets ensure that team members can thrive while making a significant impact in the wellness sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder-in-Residence - Pathway to Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors or peers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can introduce you to the right people.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from AINAD or any other company, make sure to express your genuine interest in their mission. Talk about how your vision aligns with theirs, especially in the wellness space. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by doing your homework. Research AINAD’s portfolio companies and understand their challenges and successes. This will help you come up with insightful questions and show that you’re not just another candidate – you’re someone who’s ready to dive in and make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 that leap into the Founder-in-Residence role.
We think you need these skills to ace Founder-in-Residence - Pathway to Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine enthusiasm for fitness and wellbeing 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 high-growth startups or building products from scratch.
Craft a Compelling Note:In your short note, be clear and concise about why you want to join us at AINAD. Discuss your vision for the wellness venture and how you plan to make expert-level personal training accessible to everyone.
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. Be ready to discuss your ideas on making personal training accessible and how you plan to achieve product-market fit.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences as a founder or senior operator. Highlight instances where you've taken a product from zero to one, driven growth, and made data-driven decisions. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the portfolio company effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think about how you would attract and inspire a high-performing team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you would align your team with the company's goals. Share any relevant experiences where you successfully built and managed teams in high-growth environments.
✨Passion for Fitness and Community
Express your genuine passion for fitness, wellbeing, and building communities during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to these areas. This will resonate well with AINAD's mission and show that you're the right fit for the role.
