Sales - Leuven | Just now
Entrepreneur in residence for a comb laser spin-off.
At the joint photonics research lab of imec and UGent, we have created a high-power, cost-efficient, multi-wavelength light engine with clear potential for broad market impact. We are now preparing to spin out a new company to commercialize this technology. To drive this venture, we are seeking a proven entrepreneurial leader with deep expertise in optical interconnects, laser systems, and integrated photonics, and with strong connectivity across the datacenter ecosystem.
The assignment
* Serve as co-founder of the spin-off, partnering closely with the technical and commercial co-founders to define and drive the company's business strategy and build the initial delivery organization.
* Develop a robust, investor-ready business plan, map out staged funding requirements, and lead all fundraising activities across early rounds.
* Translate the technology vision into a clear, evidence-based product development roadmap through direct engagement with industry leaders, partners, and prospective customers.
* Oversee all operational and business activities required to bring the company to incorporation and early execution.
* Own the company's P&L and take on a broad scope of responsibilities typical of an early-stage venture, including strategy, operations, financing, HR, and go-to-market.
Build and maintain a deep, current understanding of the relevant markets and cultivate a strong industry network that accelerates product adoption and partnership development.
Required knowledge and skills
* You are an enthusiastic entrepreneurial CEO or business leader with proven experience in building a new company in the datacom or telecom space.
* You have hands-on experience commercializing lasers, optical interconnects or photonics engines including engaging with the photonics fabrication value chain.
* You possess outstanding organizational and leadership skills demonstrated by guiding high-caliber teams to deliver on ambitious targets within defined timelines and budgets.
* You have proven fundraising experience across venture capital and non-dilutive grants mechanisms.
* You are a clear, confident communicator with strong public speaking ability and the capacity to translate complex technical and strategic topics into compelling narratives for expert and non-expert audiences.
* You are familiar with core business functions such as sales, marketing, finance, IP, etc. Hands-on exposure to these is a plus.
* You have a well-developed network of prospective optical datacom customers and / or venture investors
* You have international working experience and are fluent in written and spoken English.
What we offer
We give you the opportunity to create and develop a promising spin-off company. This is a unique opportunity to steer and shape an early-stage venture spinning out of imec, the world-leading R&D and innovation hub for nanoelectronics and digital technology and the Photonics Group of the University of Ghent, a world-class research group. With your talent, passion and expertise, you'l become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Imec, UGent and its family of spin-off companies create technologies and products that will shape the society of tomorrow.
* Duration of the assignment: Assignment by imec until the incorporation of the spin-off.
* Desired start date: 2nd of January 2026
* Work regime: part-time
Location
We provide the flexibility to work both from our office premises and remotely from home. This to maintain a healthy work-life balance while being an integral part of our team.
-
* For this temporary position, you can apply as a candidate, the employment is then through an employment agency or other third party. If you are a Freelancer (independent consultant) we also welcome your application.