Commercial Co-Founder Deep Tech Startup in AI, Machine Learning & Semiconductor- Serial

Commercial Co-Founder (AI, Machine Learning & Semiconductor) – Deep Tech Spin-offs | DEEP Pioneers

Not a job ad. A co-founder call for experienced entrepreneurs and operators

DEEP Pioneers-Where World-class research meets serial execution

You have built or scaled businesses around complex technology.

You understand long sales cycles, technical buyers, and why deep tech fails or succeeds far before product market fit.

DEEP Pioneers is looking for commercial co-founders with real industry experience to form scalable deep-tech spin-offs in AI, Machine Learning & Semiconductor, alongside world-class scientists and protected IP.

Become a commercial co-founder of a scalable deep tech spin-off through DEEP Pioneers. Through our modular venture builder, we match experienced entrepreneurs with the top 10%of AI, Machine Learning, Compute, Quantum, and Semiconductor IP in the DACH region, developed by world-class scientists and research institutions.

This role is designed for founders who already understand how to commercialize frontier technology and are ready to apply that experience from day zero.

You will be backed by experienced venture coaches and a venture-building process focused on forming high-performing, venture-backable founding teams.

Next cohort kicks off in March 2026 – apply today!

(Rolling selection, limited seats per cycle, apply early to be considered for the next cohort.)

DEEP Pioneers is the venture-building program of ESMT Berlin’s Institute for Deep Tech Innovation (DEEP).

We match breakthrough IP and world-class scientists from Germany’s leading universities and tech transfer offices with seasoned entrepreneurs and operators to create high-performing, venture-backable deep-tech companies – fast, early, and right.

Our mission is to fix the biggest bottleneck in deep tech: founding teams. We do this by embedding business and industry talent at the source and systematizing the human layer of spin-offs.

We work with leading TTOs like Max Planck, Fraunhofer, TUM, RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin, CISPA, ISTA and VCs like First Momentum, HTGF, Heal Capital, Planet A, Vsquared and more across the DACH region.

• Scouting Curated pipeline of breakthrough photonics, optical sensing, laser-based systems, and advanced manufacturing IP
• Matching Workshop A two-day, in-person, off-grid session where we test different constellations, run psychometric profiling, and test co-founder chemistry with experienced team coaches.
• Six-Month Coaching Two 90-minute virtual sessions per month to derisk team (modular to each team)
• Outcome
• Timeline Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The next cohort starts in March 2026.

• Curated pipeline Direct access to a vetted portfolio of top 10 percentof AI, Machine Learning, Compute, Quantum, and Semiconductor technologies with demonstrated market pull
• Access to defensible technology IP that is protected or protectable, freedom-to-operate assessed, clear tech transfer pathways, transparent equity structures, and a realistic timeline to spin-off readiness.
• Embedded network Direct access to VCs, TTOs, and seasoned coaches to accelerate from minimum viable team to venture-backable, plus the broader DEEP, ESMT, and CDL networks.

Only two in-person days. All other activities are remote and founder-friendly.

• If shortlisted, you’ll receive a lookbook of the top technologies and scientists in the cohort. You’ll review, rank, and show commitment to your preferred ventures. At the offsite, we test different co-founder constellations to find the best fit.
• This is followed by an in-person matching retreat (Berlin area).
• Minimum Viable Teams receive up to 6 months of high-performing coaching afterwards.
• Time investment after the retreat: ~3 hours/month coaching and founder work

• Are a seasoned entrepreneur, operator, or intrapreneur with 5–10+ years in venture-backed environments
• Have hands-on experience in
  AI, Machine Learning, Compute, Quantum, and Semiconductor areas
• Think in first principles, market narratives, and “Why now / Why this” framing
• Enjoy building in complex, fast-moving deep tech markets

• Co-lead company formation with the principal scientist and technology
• Shape strategy, go-to-market, and fundraising from day zero
• Own customer discovery and craft the business model
• Drive investor conversations using DEEP’s network and your own

Click “Apply” on Linked In to access a short application form (3-5 minutes).