Founders Associate Fulltime (gn)

About the role

Mycolever is a TechBio and biotech startup focused on creating sustainable bioactive ingredients for consumer care and related applications. The company works with fungi as a core technology platform, covering everything from discovery and wet-lab testing through scale-up and commercialization. As a full-time Founders Associate, you will partner closely with the founding team on both strategic and day-to-day priorities across the business.

This position gives you exposure to how a science-driven startup is built at the crossroads of AI, biotechnology, and sustainable ingredient innovation. Your work will support go-to-market planning, business development, product direction, fundraising, finance, management, and broader company building efforts that help turn scientific advances into commercial outcomes.

Team and leadership

You will join a company backed by an experienced founding team, strong scientific expertise, an active board, and impact-focused venture capital investors. Mycolever is led by Dr. Britta Winterberg, who serves as CEO/CTO and drives the technological direction with deep expertise in fungal biotechnology and fermentation, and by Niels Dietzsch, who leads company building and operational execution across sales, operations, and finance. Both founders bring more than 15 years of experience in their respective areas.

The company is also advised by Dr. Andreas Gocke, former Partner at Boston Consulting Group in the global chemical practice, and Dr. Andreas Heyl, CTO at Formo Bio and SPRIND and formerly CTO at Insempra. Investor support includes FoodLabs, Ananda Impact Ventures, and UTUM, giving the business long-term backing and strong access to the European bioeconomy ecosystem.

What you will do

As Founders Associate, you will act as a close partner to the founders and help move strategic and operational work forward across the organization.

• Support venture-building activities by contributing to strategic decisions, business planning, and key company initiatives.
• Carry out market research, competitor analysis, and benchmarking to uncover opportunities and support decision-making.
• Coordinate and drive cross-functional projects spanning business, technology, and operations to keep priorities aligned and milestones on track.
• Improve internal processes to increase efficiency and prepare the company for scalable growth.
• Assist with people operations and financial planning tasks such as hiring, budgeting, and coordinating with external partners.
• Help prepare board meetings, financing rounds, and investor-facing materials.
• Contribute to organizational development, leadership processes, and the creation of a strong company culture.

What the company is looking for

• At least 2 years of professional experience with a strong commercial and analytical profile, plus an interest in deep-tech and science-led innovation.
• A degree in business, management, business & technology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Useful exposure in consulting, venture building, the industrial bioeconomy, or the (bio-)chemical industry is welcomed.
• Experience or familiarity with target markets such as personal care and cosmetics, home care, or food and feed is an added advantage.
• A proactive, hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset with a genuine drive for innovation, sustainability, and impact.
• Strong problem-solving ability with the capacity to organize complex topics, extract insights, and turn them into practical actions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work across technical and commercial teams while influencing stakeholders effectively.
• Comfort with ambiguity, a high level of ownership, and the ability to perform well in a fast-moving environment.

Benefits

• A rare opportunity to help shape the future of the bioeconomy.
• A collaborative and inspiring environment at the intersection of fungal biotechnology, deep-tech innovation, and venture building.
• Strong room for personal and professional development in an ambitious startup setting.
• A culture centered on curiosity, humility, long-term thinking, scientific excellence, and entrepreneurial execution.

Equal opportunity

Mycolever is committed to building an inclusive workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Applications from people of all backgrounds are encouraged, especially candidates from underrepresented groups.

Application note

The company asks interested candidates to get in touch with an application. No extensive documents are required.