Co-Founder in Residence (Commercial), Reinventing Crop Nutrition & Weed Control

Deep Science Ventures • San Diego, CA

7d • £4,166 • Remote

About The Position

Deep Science Ventures is seeking a Commercial Co-Founder to co-create a venture focused on revolutionizing weed control through crop nutrient delivery. This role involves partnering with a technical founder to guide the venture from pre-incorporation to Series A and beyond. Key responsibilities include establishing commercial agreements with major agri-input companies, developing farmer adoption strategies, and raising capital for scaling. The Co-Founder will build the commercial infrastructure necessary to transform a technological innovation into a sustainable business. This is a ground-floor opportunity where the founding team will hold a majority equity stake, supported by pre-seed investment and ongoing assistance from Deep Science Ventures and the Grantham Foundation. The specific leadership responsibilities may evolve based on the founding team's strengths, with potential to grow into a CEO or other C-suite role. The position is full-time, initially remote, with venture incorporation and spin-out targeted for early Q2 2027.

Requirements

• Significant commercial leadership experience in agri-inputs, biologicals, crop protection or adjacent science-led/regulated industries, with a strong preference for direct agricultural experience.
• Track record of navigating the ag ecosystem, taking crop inputs to market through retail or direct to farmers. Direct experience taking crop inputs through retail, agronomist/adviser or farmer channels is highly desirable.
• Track record personally negotiating and closing material licensing, distribution, supply or other strategic commercial agreements.
• Co-founded or commercially-led an early-stage startup, raised funding and closed early deals.
• Successfully sourced non-dilutive funding in the form of grants.
• Strong financial literacy - able to build, interrogate, and communicate financial models.
• Excellent stakeholder communication - credible with customers, investors and a technical co-founder alike.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to the fertiliser industry would be a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and convert relationships with major fertiliser and agri-input companies into commercial partnerships.
• Develop and execute the route-to-market strategy, including how manufacturer partnerships translate into distributor/adviser and farmer adoption.
• Develop and validate the techno-economic model and commercial business model.
• Secure funding from investors - leading commercial due diligence, building investor relationships and closing rounds.
• Develop company strategy as a core member of the founding team.
• Build and lead the commercial team as the company scales.

Benefits

• Guaranteed income of £4,166 per month, paid as a consultancy fee until the company is launched.
• Pre-seed (incorporation) investment and ongoing support from Deep Science Ventures and the Grantham Foundation.
• Founding team will collectively hold a majority equity stake in the company.
• Continuous portfolio support post-launch from DSV including fundraising, partnerships, and recruitment.
• On-site presence in San Diego California post spin-out.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed