At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a groundbreaking pest control venture focused on eco-friendly solutions.
- Company: Join Deep Science Ventures, a leader in innovative science-based companies.
- Benefits: Receive a competitive salary, equity stake, and ongoing support post-launch.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and access extensive resources to launch your venture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security and ecological health.
- Qualifications: Must have previous founder and C-suite experience, with a passion for innovation.
Join us to build a new venture eliminating off-target toxicity from agrochemicals by scaling next generation insecticides and pest control. We’re seeking an experienced entrepreneur to found and spin out a company focused on species-targeted, durable pest control without off-target ecological or human health impacts. The role is full-time, remote initially until venture incorporation and spin-out (circa end of Q1 2027), location TBD.
ABOUT DSV
Deep Science Ventures (DSV) is on a mission to create a future in which both humans and the planet can thrive. We use our unique venture creation process to create, spin-out, and invest in science companies, combining available scientific knowledge and founder-type scientists into high-impact ventures. Operating in four sectors—Pharmaceuticals, Climate, Agriculture, and Computation—we tackle the challenges defining these areas by taking a first principles approach and partnering with leading institutions.
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GRANTHAM FOUNDATION
Driven by mutual conviction in the huge unmet need to eliminate off-target toxicity from agrochemicals, DSV has partnered with the Grantham Foundation to accelerate the development of non-toxic alternatives to pesticides (herbicides and insecticides).
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for future Founders: entrepreneurially-minded individuals with deep technical and commercial domain expertise, who are eager to solve urgent unmet challenges through venture building. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of agtech, leading a company solving challenges in off-target toxicity from insecticides.
You will join DSV’s venture creation programme as a Co-founder-in-Residence and work closely with the DSV and Grantham Foundation teams to spin out the new company. During the programme you will refine, improve and complement existing scoping work on:
- The technical thesis for pest control that is scalable, durable and effective without off-target effects;
- Commercial neglect (IP strategy, differentiation, competition);
- Value proposition (market, value capture, techno-economics);
- Regulatory strategy & positioning;
- Fundraising strategy & pitching;
- Optimising company strategy for the most rapid and derisked path to Series A.
Preparation for Investment Committee (IC) will involve fulfilling our investment criteria, recruiting advisory and co-founding team members, and parallel fundraising for additional expansion funds. Assuming success at IC, you will receive pre-seed investment from DSV and Grantham Foundation, and spinout the company in 2027. You and your co-founders will own a significant stake in the business and continue receiving support post-spinout.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Conventional insecticides - spanning from neonicotinoids to organochlorines - are a double-edged sword. They play a vital role in shielding crops from pests but can wreak havoc beyond their targets. Pollinators like bees and butterflies, vital to 75% of global food crops, are in free fall - some bee populations have declined by over 43% in high-insecticide regions due to lethal and sublethal exposures that impair navigation, immunity, and reproduction. Pest resistance to widely used small molecules is also a growing phenomenon, straining our available toolkit for safeguarding yields. This threatens both global food security and biodiversity. Beyond ecosystems, these chemicals can also cause acute intoxication, cancer, neurodegeneration, infertility, and hormonal disruptions in humans, driven by oxidative stress, DNA damage, and systemic inflammation - a problem being increasingly recognised especially in exposed rural populations.
The transferability of these insecticides - spreading through soil, water, and trophic chains - amplifies their devastation, making sustainable alternatives non-negotiable. Improved insect controls have already shown scientific and commercial traction at the proof of concept level. For example, semiochemical approaches have shown commercial success in disrupting pest mating patterns, while novel biological modes of action such as peptides illustrate the scope to achieve species-specific pesticidal targeting. However, the ability of novel modes of action to disrupt the incumbent agrochemical market remains relatively limited. Among the most important constraints in scaling adoption are high costs, coverage limitations, delivery efficacy, and risks of evolutionary ‘escape’. For example, the effective dose required for RNA-based controls remain an order of magnitude away from small molecules, while Bt crops - arguably the most prominent precision insecticide technology to date - have demonstrated a decline in efficacy after multiple growth seasons due to evolved resistance.
We imagine a future where we can protect crops without decimating ecosystems, collapsing food chains, or endangering human health. This is the vision driving our venture creation in this opportunity space: reimagining pest control to build a thriving agricultural sector that aligns with ecological and human health.
Our preliminary scoping of the area indicates high potential to develop approaches that meet our desired outcome: pest control that is scalable, durable, and effective without off-target effects. Emerging technologies, from crop-based RNAi and antiviral strategies through to endophytic microbial biocontrols, provide a set of promising tools that could provide the foundations for commercially viable propositions. However, each approach presents outstanding constraints that require solving. We believe that advances in diverse sectors, spanning from bioprocessing and genetic engineering through to AI and precision agriculture tools, mean that it is the ideal time to tackle these barriers.
Requirements
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Essential Values
- You are highly motivated by unsolved challenges in insect pest control, and driven to challenge the status quo in agrochemicals.
- You are impact driven, take the initiative, make things happen, and think from a first principles perspective to figure out what’s really needed.
- You have clear entrepreneurial spirit and mindset, demonstrated through impactful innovation, and an ability to work in ambiguous, unstructured but fast-paced, demanding and pressurised environments.
- Collaborative nature, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Essential experience (must-have)
- Previous Founder experience.
- Previous C-suite experience.
- Previous fundraising experience (from VCs).
- Commercial & BD expertise (licensing, partnering, collaborations).
- Strong track record of building and leading successful teams.
Preferred experience (nice-to-have)
- Core science depth (PhD or equivalent industry R&D know-how) in genomics, molecular biology, entomology, plant pathology, virology (or similar), with breadth across technological areas relevant for next generation pest control.
- Translational execution: e.g. taking traits/actives from discovery to field efficacy, managing CRO/CDMO programs, building regulator/investor/customer-ready data packages; and/or partnership development (growers, CROs/CDMOs, suppliers) and scalable IP strategy.
- Cross-functional ownership across: R&D - Product - Regulatory - IP, evidenced by shipped results (trial outcomes, submissions, patents, launches); and/or EPA/EU experience and GLP study planning/oversight; or design of pivotal field trials supporting registration.
Benefits
OUR OFFER
By joining DSV, you’ll be joining a team of operators who have founded companies and led translation of science at some of the most respected universities, charities, funds and government agencies. Our team dedicate several hours every week to each Founder or founding team to provide tailored guidance, resources and feedback covering every aspect of what it takes to successfully launch a new venture from both the tech and commercial perspectives:
- We provide optimised, purpose-built, proprietary tools, resources and processes to help create high-impact ventures from scratch, using our venture creation methodology.
- DSV and Grantham Foundation's extensive network incl. leaders of biotech VCs, technical & commercial domain expertise, and wide-ranging portfolio company capabilities.
- We jointly provide an initial £250k (~$340k / €290k) investment governed by our Investment Committee to incorporate the new venture and develop early proof-of-concept data that is often needed to attract high profile non-venture studio VCs.
- You and your co-founder(s) together will own the majority equity stake in the company.
- We provide minimum guaranteed income of £4,166 per month (fixed), paid to each Founder as a consultancy fee until the company is launched and pre-seed investment is secured.
- We provide continuous support post spin-out, including fundraising, commercial partnerships, recruitment and team-building.
Co-founder in Residence, Next generation insecticides and pest control employer: Deep Science Ventures
Deep Science Ventures (DSV) is an exceptional employer for those passionate about pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture. With a strong focus on innovation and impact, DSV offers a collaborative work culture where experienced entrepreneurs can thrive, supported by tailored guidance and resources from a team of seasoned founders. The opportunity to lead a venture that addresses critical ecological challenges, combined with competitive compensation and equity ownership, makes DSV an attractive choice for individuals eager to make a meaningful difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Co-founder in Residence, Next generation insecticides and pest control
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the agtech space. Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to meet potential co-founders, investors, and mentors who can help you on your journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you’re chatting with potential partners or investors, make sure to communicate your drive for solving the challenges in pest control. Share your vision and how you plan to make a real impact in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media! Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights on pest control and engage with others in the field. This not only builds your personal brand but also keeps you in the loop about opportunities and trends.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to tackle the future of pest control. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Co-founder in Residence, Next generation insecticides and pest control
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for solving the challenges in pest control and how your unique experiences have shaped your entrepreneurial spirit.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with our mission at DSV. Show us how you can contribute to building a venture that eliminates off-target toxicity from agrochemicals.
Showcase Your Impact:We love to see evidence of your previous successes! Share specific examples of how you've made an impact in your past roles, especially in areas like fundraising or team leadership, as these are crucial for this position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to co-found a new venture with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Deep Science Ventures
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest advancements in pest control and agrochemicals. Understand the science behind species-targeted insecticides and be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to solving off-target toxicity issues.
✨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
Prepare to share examples of your previous entrepreneurial experiences. Highlight how you've tackled challenges in unstructured environments and demonstrate your ability to innovate and lead teams effectively.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current market for insecticides and pest control solutions. Be ready to discuss competitors, potential partnerships, and how your vision aligns with the mission of Deep Science Ventures and the Grantham Foundation.
✨Prepare for Fundraising Conversations
Since fundraising is a key part of this role, think about your past experiences with VCs and how you can leverage those relationships. Prepare a pitch that outlines your value proposition and the unique aspects of your venture that will attract investment.
