At a Glance
- Tasks: Build an AI startup in Manufacturing, Defence, or Energy with hands-on support.
- Company: Join The Flywheel Venture Studio, a hub for innovative entrepreneurs.
- Benefits: Earn €4k/month while validating your idea and keep up to 80% equity.
- Other info: Access to top investors and engineering talent in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Transform your insights into a groundbreaking company with expert guidance.
- Qualifications: Experience in product leadership or entrepreneurship; passion for solving complex problems.
The predicted salary is between 4000 - 4000 £ per month.
The Flywheel Venture Studio (www. theflywheel. studio) is recruiting exceptional operators, engineers, and domain experts to build category-defining companies that solve hard problems in Europe’s most critical sectors: Manufacturing, Defence and Energy.
We are looking for ambitious entrepreneurs with first-hand insights into industrial challenges, bottlenecks, and revenue blockers.
We turn your insight into a formidable company.
You keep up to 80% equity of the company we build together.
We compress the 0 to 1 journey from years down to months.
Accelerators, VCs, and incubators fund you and advise you.
We build with you: validating the idea, shipping the first prototype, forming the founding team, incorporating, and winning your first customers and investors.
As a Founder-in-Residence (Fi R), you will be paid while validating, designing, and launching a new venture with hands-on support from experienced founders, operators, engineers, and industry partners.
Successful residents receive up to €300k in committed capital at incorporation, and keep up to 80% of their equity.
The studio’s 20+ investors, including former operators from Google, Boeing and NASA stand ready to make warm introductions to first buyers, pilots, and investors.
We run a paid, hybrid founder-in-residence program out of Thessaloniki, Greece with deep access to one of Europe's largest untapped pools of engineering talent.
Successful ventures are free to build anywhere in Europe.
The Role
As a Founder-in-Residence, you will work closely with The Flywheel team to identify, validate, and build a venture that uses AI to accelerate productivity and efficiency in one of our core domains:
- Manufacturing & Supply Chains
- Defence & Security
- Energy & Sustainability
You will operate as the future CEO or CTO of a company formed during or after the program.
This is a highly entrepreneurial role for individuals ready to build a 0–1 company with structured guidance, material support and capital.
Responsibilities
During the Fi R Program (ideally 1-3 months, up to 6 months)
- Conduct deep user research and problem validation across target industries
- Generate or evaluate multiple venture concepts and select a high-potential direction
- Develop early prototypes (with The Flywheel engineering support)
- Validate customer demand, willingness to pay, and pathway to profitability
- Upon New
Co Formation
- Become CEO or CTO of the new company
- Use The Flywheel’s €300k investment to launch the venture
- Build the core founding team with our recruiting support
- Secure early customers/pilots with Flywheel’s industry partners
- Lead further capital raises with support from The Flywheel.
- Drive execution toward product-market fit and long-term growth
Requirements
We are looking for high-agency, deeply competent builders. Successful candidates should have one or more of the following:
- Several years of experience in one or more of our focus areas
- Strong product/technical leadership experience building from 0–1
- Prior entrepreneurial experience (startup founder, early employee, product owner, technical lead)
- A track record of solving complex problems and delivering outcomes
- Strong communication and leadership ability
- A willingness to own the company end-to-end as CEO, or lead the technical direction of the company as CTO
Nice-to-haves
- B2B enterprise sales or business development background
- Experience managing engineering or product teams
- Network of industry buyers
You do not need a fully formed idea or prototype to apply.
- Who should not apply
- You already have traction, pilots, or a funded company and mainly need capital. We build companies; we don't just fund them.
- You can't point to a specific problem you've seen first-hand, or to the buyer who pays to solve it. You don't need a polished idea. You do need real insight.
- Your problem sits outside Manufacturing & Supply Chains, Defence & Security, and Energy & Sustainability.
What We Offer
- (€4k/month) to validate idea, up to €300k at incorporation, you keep up to 80% of New Co
- A real co-founder: We work beside you from first idea to first customers. You keep up to 80% of the company we build together.
- Instant credibility and access: backed by 20+ investors, including former operators from Google, Boeing, NASA, and the European Commission.
- A team that builds with you: fractional engineering, design, and go-to-market operators.
- User research & validation frameworks
- AI architecture & technical prototyping
- Business modeling & pricing strategy
- Access to industrial pilot programs and buyers
- Team formation and recruitment of technical talent
- Company formation, legal, and IP support
- Pre-incorporation: €4,000/month stipend to properly validate the idea for up to six months.
- Post-incorporation: Up to €300k in initial funding
- A path to your Series A: guidance and warm intros to US and EU investors, from founders with multiple raises and exits.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Paid Founder-in-Residence: Build an Industrial AI Startup (Manufacturing, Defence, or Energy) employer: The Flywheel
The Flywheel Venture Studio is an exceptional employer for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to make a significant impact in critical sectors like Defence and Energy. With a unique hybrid Founder-in-Residence program based in Thessaloniki, Greece, we offer hands-on support, access to substantial funding, and the opportunity to retain up to 80% equity in your venture. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and growth, providing you with the resources and mentorship needed to turn your insights into a successful company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paid Founder-in-Residence: Build an Industrial AI Startup (Manufacturing, Defence, or Energy)
✨Get Involved in Startup Events
Dive into the local startup scene! Attend pitch nights, hackathons, and networking events. It's a great way to meet founders and like-minded folks. Plus, you never know who might put in a good word for you at a startup like The Flywheel!
✨Show Off Your Creativity
Startups love unique ideas! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your past projects, especially those relevant to startups. This personal touch can really make you stand out when you're applying for that full-time gig at The Flywheel.
✨Leverage Startup Communities Online
Get active on platforms such as Indie Hackers, Startup Grind, or even LinkedIn groups focused on startups. Participating in discussions can increase your visibility and open up potential job leads, especially at buzzing companies like The Flywheel.
✨Direct Applications are Your Best Bet
Don't shy away from applying directly through our website. Startups often check their own portals first before other job sites. Tailor your application to show how you can add value to The Flywheel — a personal touch goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Paid Founder-in-Residence: Build an Industrial AI Startup (Manufacturing, Defence, or Energy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:When applying for a role in startups and entrepreneurship, it's crucial to highlight any experience you have with starting your own projects or businesses. We love seeing examples of your initiative, so sprinkle in stories of how you’ve taken risks or solved problems creatively—this is what makes you stand out!
Tailor Your CV for Impact:In the startup world, your CV should reflect not just your experience, but the impact you've made. Use quantifiable achievements to show your contributions, like percentage increases in growth or revenue. Remember, we’re looking for go-getters who know how to get results!
Craft a Provocative Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a chance to showcase your passion and motivation for working at The Flywheel. Don't just list your skills—share your vision and what excites you about the entrepreneurial journey. Connect your personal aspirations with what we need, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep Your Portfolio Handy:If you have a portfolio showcasing any past projects or entrepreneurial efforts, definitely mention it in your application. Though not always necessary for full-time roles, it can provide us with deeper insights into your work style and creativity. If you have a blog, products, or any innovation, we'd love to see it!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Flywheel
✨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
In startups, they love seeing passion and initiative. Be ready to share any personal projects or ideas you've worked on. This shows you’re not just about the 9-to-5, but you’re invested in creating value, which is key in this fast-paced environment.
✨Brush Up on Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to be thrown some curveballs during the interview—startups often face unexpected challenges. Having a couple of examples up your sleeve where you’ve creatively solved problems will really impress them. It's all about how you think on your feet!
✨Know Your Stuff About the Industry
Since you're applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to see you've done your homework. Make sure you understand where the startup stands in its industry, including competitors and market trends. It’s a great way to show you're genuinely interested and can contribute from day one.
✨Show Flexibility and Adaptability
Startups can pivot quickly, so highlight your adaptability. Share examples of when you've successfully navigated change or taken on roles outside your comfort zone. This shows you’re ready for whatever comes your way, which is crucial in a startup atmosphere!
