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- Tasks: Lead the creation of an AI platform connecting brands with UK manufacturers.
- Company: Join Nesta’s mission-driven venture studio focused on impactful startups.
- Benefits: Receive a living stipend, build funding, and access to expert support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the food industry while building your own venture.
- Qualifications: Network in F&B, B2B experience, and a passion for innovation.
- Other info: Opportunity to pitch for £200k investment after 6 months.
The predicted salary is between 4000 - 4800 £ per month.
ManuMatch is an AI platform matching brands with UK manufacturers. It aims to solve the fragmented information and opaque manufacturing capacity in the UK food system, which creates a structural choke point that slows healthy and innovative product launches. ManuMatch provides an intelligent manufacturing matchmaking platform that matches brands with verified UK manufacturers in days, reducing development costs and lowering unit costs.
As a Mission Studio founder, you’ll receive a living stipend during our intensive 6-month build, plus funding to create an MVP and test it with real customers. You’ll work closely with experienced builders, designers, technologists, and founders, finishing with the opportunity to pitch for £200k in pre-seed funding to spin out your venture.
Who We’re Looking For
- F&B and/or manufacturers network: Ideally, you already have a network across food and beverage brands and/or manufacturing networks.
- B2B experience: Experience overcoming long sales cycles and converting conversations into sales in hard-to-reach industries.
- Manufacturing insights: Awareness and understanding of factory floor culture and common pain points.
- Familiarity with marketplace and/or SaaS models: Knowledge of building a two-sided marketplace and creating software solutions.
- Test & learn mindset: Ability to thrive in fast-paced, uncertain environments.
- Scrappiness and resourcefulness: Initiative and proactivity in getting things done with low resources.
- Inspirational leadership: Exceptional at rallying teams to achieve shared goals in an inclusive environment.
- Skilled storytelling: Effective communication with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
At Mission Studio, we work with talented people who want to build ambitious, impactful ventures. You don’t need prior founder experience - just relevant skills, domain insight, and the drive to build a business in this space.
The Founder Package We Offer
- A de-risked concept: With initial inroads into relevant customer and partner networks.
- Living stipend: ~£4k per month for up to 6 months whilst you build with us.
- Build funding: £25k of additional funds to support the build and launch of the company.
- Hands-on operational support: Dedicated support from a team specialising in venture design and building, product development, fundraising, tech, and strategic partnerships.
- Network access: Access to Nesta’s mission-relevant internal and external networks.
- Spin-out opportunity: At the end of 6 months, the opportunity to pitch for an additional £200k investment and establish the venture as an independent company.
How We Build with Founders
During the 6 month build, Mission Studio deploys a lean venture building approach focused on fast, disciplined experimentation and learning. The studio and founders work together in a repeat rhythm of test and learn sprints, supported by a clear lean venture building methodology.
Making an Application
To apply for this role, please submit your application before 8pm on January 18th 2026. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, likely from w/c January 26th. We actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates and are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need.
Founder at ManuMatch in London employer: Nesta
Contact Detail:
Nesta Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder at ManuMatch in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the food and beverage industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or mentors. The more connections you make, the easier it’ll be to find opportunities and get your foot in the door.
✨Show Off Your Storytelling Skills
When you’re pitching your idea, make sure you can tell a compelling story. Highlight the problem you’re solving and how ManuMatch is the solution. Use relatable examples and keep it engaging – this will help you connect with your audience and make your pitch memorable.
✨Embrace the Test & Learn Mindset
Don’t be afraid to experiment and pivot when necessary. The startup world is all about adapting to feedback and learning from your experiences. Show that you’re flexible and ready to iterate on your ideas based on what you learn from real customers.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you’re keen on becoming the founder of ManuMatch, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Founder at ManuMatch in London
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 the food and beverage industry and your unique perspective on how you can make a difference with ManuMatch.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Show us how your background in B2B or manufacturing aligns with what we're looking for in a founder.
Showcase Your Network: If you've got connections in the food and beverage sector, don’t be shy about it! Mention your network and how it can help you hit the ground running with ManuMatch.
Keep It Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Highlight your key achievements and insights without rambling – we’re keen to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nesta
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the food and beverage industry, especially around manufacturing. Understand the common pain points and challenges brands face. This knowledge will not only impress but also show that you’re genuinely interested in solving these issues.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your existing connections in the F&B and manufacturing sectors. If you have contacts, mention them during the interview. It shows you’re ready to hit the ground running and can bring valuable relationships to the table.
✨Showcase Your Scrappiness
Be prepared to share examples of how you've been resourceful in past roles. Whether it’s overcoming obstacles with limited resources or finding creative solutions, demonstrating your scrappy mindset will resonate well with the team.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Practice telling your story in a way that highlights your journey, skills, and passion for the project. Use clear, engaging narratives to connect with your interviewers, making sure to align your experiences with the mission of ManuMatch.
