The Company
Mantis Beyond Innovation believes that the development of the innovation ecosystem and startup entrepreneurship improves quality of life. We implement Open Innovation projects that help startups, innovative professionals, and researchers scale solutions to address complex challenges from large private and public organizations.
As innovation enablers, we collaborate with organizations that aim to accelerate their transformation across environmental, technological, economic, and social levels. We support our clients with comprehensive transformation initiatives, from idea creation to implementation and scaling.
The Role
The Head of Venture Building & Startup Growth is responsible for designing and implementing the strategy of Mantis Beyond Innovation’s internal Venture Builder. This role connects innovation generation (open innovation) with the creation of business value (startup formation, commercialization), acting as the “bridge” between:
- Open innovation programs,
- Research and intellectual output from partners (TTOs, universities),
- The market-ready and applicable world of new technologies.
Reports to: CEO
Key Responsibilities
- Venture Builder Strategy Development
- Create and operate the venture development model for Mantis
- Define themes, phases, and tools to support startup teams
- Align with Mantis’ strategy and social mission
- Relationship with Open Innovation Programs
- Co-design with Program Directors to ensure open innovation programs lead to the maturation and creation of new ventures
- Promote entrepreneurial teams and ideas with potential through programs
- Create support “pathways” from program participation → MVP → spin-off
- Provide mentoring or facilitation during key phases (bootcamps, demo days, review panels)
- Develop specific cycles (e.g., venture sprints) within or alongside programs
- Startup Portfolio Management
- Monitor the progress of internal teams or those originating from TTOs
- Make strategic decisions for spin-offs, licensing, or corporate synergy
- Support funding readiness, customer discovery, and pivot processes
- Connection with Expertise & IP
- Collaborate with TTOs and research teams to identify and evaluate IP
- Develop utilization models: startup, licensing, internal incubation
- Work with legal support on agreements, co-ownership, and protection
- Educational & Support Programs
- Design and implement an educational curriculum for startup teams
- Organize workshops, mentoring cycles, and pitching sessions
- Coordinate external speakers, coaches, and EiRs
- External Relations
- Establish channels with investors, accelerators, incubators, and funds
- Find first users or corporate partners for testing & scaling
- Represent Mantis in international initiatives and innovation networks
- Team Leadership
- Lead the Startup Growth Manager, Business Creation Manager, and Startup Analyst
- Develop team members and connect them with Mantis’ goals
- Manage internal communication, reporting, and coordination with other units
Candidate Profile
- 7+ years of experience in startup building, innovation leadership, tech transfer, or incubation
- Previous experience in venture building, spin-off formation, or accelerators
- Knowledge of Finance, Product Development, and Business Model Development
- Experience collaborating with universities and research ecosystems
- Strong leadership skills, strategic planning, and mentoring capabilities
- Understanding of technologies, business models, and social innovation
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Greek and English
What Mantis Offers
- A leading role in designing and implementing a Venture Builder with a social impact
- Connections with universities, startups, and international innovation ecosystems
- A culture of collaboration, learning, and autonomy
- Flexibility in designing new models and services
- Co-ownership potential, depending on the model
At Mantis Beyond Innovation, we invest in people who want to build something worth creating.
How to Get Started
Apply via our platform and upload your CV.