Innovation Specialist

We believe in making and shaping a competitive digital Europe that is inclusive, fair and sustainable and aim at global impact through European innovation fueled by entrepreneurial talent and digital technology.

We embody the future of innovation by mobilizing a pan-European multi-stakeholder open-innovation ecosystem of top European corporations, SMEs, startups, universities and research institutes, where students, researchers, engineers, business developers and investors address the technology, talent, skills, business and capital needs of digital entrepreneurship.

We build the next generation of digital ventures, digital products and services, and breed digital entrepreneurial talent, helping business and entrepreneurs to be at the frontier of digital innovation by providing them with technology, talent, and growth support.

The Innovation Specialist is a member of the Acceleration team of EIT Digital. The focus of this role will be to work with EIT Digital’s current- and future equity portfolio companies in several ways: to work with the Equity Porfolio Manager making sure that agreements, contracts and share transfers are happening on time and in the right quality; and to help equity portfolio companies via the MentorMe programme to maximise their chances to succeed.

The role is also required to support the Acceleration Manager in achieving the business development goals of the Acceleration team in Europe with the Open Innovation Factory, Venture Incubation Program and the Speed Master programmes - and all future programmes and initiatives of EIT Digital.

The Open Innovation Factory is an open innovation programme that brings startups and corporates and other stakeholders together to develop innovation projects over a six-month timeframe receiving all round support, including financial, by EIT Digital. The Innovation Specialist is expected to work closely together with startups and corporates and match their needs within the Open Innovation Factory framework.

Venture Incubation Program is an early-stage incubation programme ran in 24 countries across Europe via incubation partners. This short programme gives idea- or prototype stage startups training, mentoring, and coaching, as well as financial support. The Innovation Specialist is expected to work closely together with graduating startups, to make sure they achieve their KPIs.

The Speed Master is a four-month executive education programme delivered by EIT Digital staff (Acceleration Team and Growth Services Team) to early-stage entrepreneurs interested in leveling up their startup and learning about strategy, management, business development, access to finance. The Innovation Specialist is expected to deliver lessons and workshops for every Speed Master cohort as well as propose interesting speakers as C-suite speakers.   

• Together with the Portfolio Manager, be responsible for timely signature of startup support agreements, share transfer agreements in all eligible countries.
• Together with the Portfolio Manager, be responsible for timely share transfers in all eligible countries.
• Ensure that equity portfolio startups are periodically submitting their latest data and additional information, providing necessary information for EIT Digital to manage its equity portfolio.
• Always be up-to-date with the latest developments and needs of the equity portfolio startups.
• Ensure that equity portfolio companies receive the support they require to succeed, matching these with EIT Digital’s programmes and available assets.
• Work with the Acceleration Team to deliver EIT Digital MentorMe and Porfolio Support Programs.
• Work with the Acceleration Team on EU Calls and Tenders that could help the success of the EIT Digital Equity Portfolio.
• Work with the Acceleration Team to deliver EIT Digital programmes to startups, scaleups and corporates of the EIT Digital community or new prospects for the Open Innovation Factory.
• Work with the Acceleration Team to deliver EIT Digital programmes to startups via the Venture Incubation Program.
• Participate in the delivery of Speed Master executive education for entrepreneurs.
• Support the organisation of corporate matchmaking opportunities and providing maximum support to close commercial deals.

• MSc in STEM is a requirement, MBA degree is a merit.
• 3+ years of experience in scaleup/startup ecosystems, accelerators, incubators, or Venture Capital startup portfolio management.
• Network within the European investor community (Venture Capital firms, Angel Associations, Family Offices and Corporate Venture Funds) involved in digital technology startups.
• Strong, empathic people person, capable of active listening, detecting startup problems early on - with the right attitude for coaching and mentoring startups.
• Basic legal knowledge about term sheets, investment agreements and share transfers in multiple European countries.
• Strong negotiation skills while seeking consensus and balance.
• Strong presentation and public appearance skills in English (verbal, written). Ability to convey simple and effective value propositions and messages.
• Hands-on approach with an entrepreneurial mindset focused on delivering results.

Mastery of English, with superior verbal, presentation and written communication skills.

This is a full-time position. Employment in one of our pan-European network of Co-Location centers / HUBs can be considered.

Please mail a resume and motivation letter to careers@eitdigital.eu outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.

Applications should be submitted before 17:00 p.m. CEST on July 3, 2024.

EIT Digital is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. To build a strong digital Europe that works for everyone it is vital that we have diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience in the sector. Therefore, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the above criteria and encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups.