Managing Director

The organisation

Start-ups and scale-ups create tomorrow’s jobs and drive progress in vital areas such as the energy transition, cyber security, and health care. The Netherlands is one of Europe’s innovation hotspots, and the Amsterdam-based non-profit organization Techleap is set on keeping it that way. The entrepreneurship catalyst started in 2019 and has, together with public and private stakeholders, built a well-connected, inclusive, and self-empowered Dutch tech ecosystem that boosted growth in investments, talent, and jobs.

Techleap supports founders and tech ventures in solving their most significant challenges: hiring talent, raising capital, and expanding internationally. One of its primary activities is establishing a curated community (named BOLD) where over four hundred founders and CxOs connect, openly share challenges, and find solutions together. Another main activity of the organization is helping the government design tech-friendly policies, e.g., concerning the taxation of equity remuneration. Additionally, Techleap runs programs, hosts events, provides access to resources and international networks, and shares expertise.

“The Dutch tech start-up ecosystem has come a long way, but acceleration is needed to become one of the global frontrunners. To achieve that, we will double down on our deep tech programs, data capabilities, collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and communities.” – Constantijn van Oranje, Special Envoy for Techleap

Since its inception, Techleap has been a publicly funded organization. Recently, however, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy decided to extend Techleap’s mandate at half the budget with the request to raise additional public and private funding. In response, the team has launched a campaign to bring together the people and capital to continue its invaluable work. This has prompted Techleap to rethink its setup. The team is planning a transformation, preparing to spin off certain activities, increasing its focus on deep tech, and strengthening its commercial and entrepreneurial capabilities to maximize its contributions to the Dutch start-up and scale-up ecosystem going forward.

The position

Techleap is working to create the perfect conditions for tech entrepreneurship. The non-profit is reinventing its approach from a publicly subsidized to a hybridly funded model. Together with the management team and Special Envoy Constantijn van Oranje, the Managing Director will lead this transformation and leverage their entrepreneurial experience to help other ventures accelerate growth.

"The Managing Director will help us reinvent ourselves and take our organization to the next level, especially operationally. From a shared passion for the Dutch tech venture scene, we will accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship" – Constantijn van Oranje, Special Envoy for Techleap

Change management will be a significant part of the role. Leading Techleap’s restructuring will require an inclusive leadership style and an approach that fits its complex public and private stakeholder context. It will be up to the Managing Director to reshape the culture and introduce a way of working that revolves around solid execution, commercial capabilities, and measurable results. They will put in place sufficient controls while at the same time empowering the teams to take initiative, learn, and iterate.

The position of Managing Director has a strong internal and operational focus. By ensuring the transition runs smoothly, they will enable others to step into the limelight. With his background, social status, and strategic vision, Constantijn van Oranje has been a great public ambassador for Techleap. The Managing Director will continue to facilitate him in his role as Special Envoy, and together, they will chart the direction of Techleap.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate has earned their stripes in the innovation and start-up space and is excited to dedicate a couple of years to giving back and helping their fellow entrepreneurs. In return, the Managing Director will build a tremendous (international) network opening up plenty of interesting next steps.

• Over 12 years of work experience
• Background in the innovation and start-up / scale-up sector
• 5+ years of managerial experience
• Operational focus
• Change management
• Inclusive leadership, building a strong company culture

Interested?

You are invited to apply for this position by following the link below. Techleap is working with Top of Minds to fill this vacancy.