Chief Executive Officer - Bioencapsulation – Remote

Big Idea Ventures The GFRP New Company Launch Model The Generation Food Rural Partners Fund (“GFRP” or the “Fund”), a part of Big Idea Ventures, collaborates with universities across the U.S. to identify high potential university-held Intellectual Property and launch startup companies. Our primary focus is breakthrough technologies in agriculture, food, and protein. GFRP is the founder of these startups, providing funding, relationships with a network of service providers, and existing relationships with strategic partners, to offer candidates a unique opportunity to become a CEO and hit the ground running. The Company Stealth NewCo (the “Company”) will bring to market a platform of bio-based encapsulation technologies designed to positively impact crop and animal performance utilizing biodegradable encapsulation methods for the biostimulant, biocontrol, seed, agrochemical, and animal feed and supplement industries. With rising interest and industry adoption, these products have the potential to reduce microplastic presence in soil and water sources on livestock, row, and specialty crop operations, offering a more sustainable and mutually beneficial solution for farmers and ranchers seeking to incorporate soil and gut microbiome benefits on their organic or conventional operations. The Role As CEO and the first employee, you will develop and bring to market a set of novel bioencapsulation technologies aimed at solving the challenges faced by the animal, seed, and crop input markets, specifically to enhance crop and animal performance through controlled release methods, and to reduce the presence of plastic contaminants in surrounding soil and water sources. This is an opportunity to build a business from the ground up around promising technology. You will collaborate closely with the GFRP team to utilize resources and networks of the Fund to accelerate time to market. What You’ll Do:
Develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy and vision for the company, including identifying new market opportunities and developing innovative solutions to meet the emerging needs of the ag biological, encapsulation technology, and animal nutrition industries
Hypothesize and continuously refine a go-to-market strategy and commercialization process (scaling from lab to commercial, including manufacturing plan) that effectively positions the company and its products in the market
Pick and develop a talented team of employees, right-sized for the stage of the company including recruiting, retaining, and developing top talent across multiple functional areas, including product development, marketing, sales, and operations
Show a clear path to profitability by implementing scalable and efficient financial strategies, setting and achieving key business goals and milestones, and continuously monitoring and improving performance metrics
Form and maintain strategic partnerships with key players in the agriculture and food industries, including growers, distributors, retailers, and other stakeholders, to drive adoption of the company's technology solutions
Build relationships with GFRP’s limited partners and corporate partners in the form of JDAs, when relevant
Build and execute effective marketing and sales strategies to promote the company's products and services
Drive product innovation and development by working closely with customers, partners, and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize new features and functionality, and ensuring that the company's products remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving market
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and use data to make informed business decisions
Build a strong company culture based on shared values and a commitment to excellence, including fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment and promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization
Manage the operational budget and ensure financial sustainability by monitoring and optimizing burn rate and cash flow, and implementing effective cost management strategies
Raise capital and build strong relationships with investors and partners, and other stakeholders, including representing the company at industry events and conferences and maintaining a strong public profile
What You’ll Need:
Demonstrated experience as a successful CEO, founder, and/or business leader of a technology company, preferably in the biologicals and/or encapsulation industries
Strong track record of building and leading a high-performing team from scratch
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain key partnerships with customers, investors, and other stakeholders
Strong analytical skills and experience using a mix of data and insight to drive business decisions
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the company effectively
A passion for the agriculture/food industry and a deep understanding of its challenges and opportunities
Strong business acumen and financial management skills
A platform thinker with the ability to develop and execute a comprehensive business plan from scratch
Strong track record of tackling difficult challenges, ability to pivot and a strong work ethic and desire to build a high-growth high-impact business
An entrepreneurial mindset and determination to scale a company from scratch
Experience in fundraising, including a deep understanding of venture capital and angel investing
What We Offer:
Salary plus equity in the company
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Retirement plan options
A collaborative and open relationship with GFRP Fund Team and BIV resources and networks
Active engagement in any follow-on rounds - helping to secure a lead investor and other investors
A network of enabling functions supporting the company to run company formation, human resources and benefit administration, payroll, intellectual property counsel, and more
Assistance with first hires
About Generation Food Rural Partners: Generation Food Rural Partners (“GFRP” or the “Fund”) is a RBIC-licensed investment fund designed to drive economic growth and development in rural communities in the US. The Fund invests in the area of Food, Agriculture and Protein technologies to form new companies based on intellectual property, creating living wage jobs at its portfolio companies. GFRP is backed by members of the Farm Credit System, including Farm Credit Services of America, CoBank, Compeer Financial and Mid-America Farm Credit. GFRP is a part of Big Idea Ventures, the world’s most active investor in FoodTech, investing in the best food technology and AgriTech companies globally. Big Idea Ventures has offices in New York, Paris and Singapore and has invested in more than 100 companies across 30 countries. For more information, visit www.bigideaventures.com/generation-food-rural-partners .