Venture Acceleration Manager

About imec.istart

We are committed to fostering entrepreneurial innovation and technological progress.
Our mission is to support and accelerate tech entrepreneurs as they embark on their journey. We offer a world-renowned coaching program, backed by imec, and provide initial investments to facilitate growth and attract additional funding.

imec.istart was launched in 2011 in Belgium as one of Europe’s first startup accelerators. Over a decade later, we have grown into a globally recognized program and early-stage investor, boasting a portfolio of over 300 startups and scaleups, along with an extensive network of partners and mentors.

The headquarters of imec are located in Leuven. The imec.istart team is mainly based in Antwerp and Ghent, and we also have a hub in Liège and Diepenbeek.

Read more about imec.istart on www.imecistart.com/en.

What you will do

• Support entrepreneurs: As the day-to-day coach for (deep)tech start-ups in the imec.istart acceleration program, you'll be part of the venture acceleration manager team. You'll inspire and motivate entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and grow their businesses.
• Create awareness: Play a key role in raising awareness about our programs and offerings. You'll inspire, encourage, and stimulate people to become entrepreneurs.
• Collaborate in the ecosystem: Represent the imec.istart acceleration program brand in both local and international ecosystems, collaborating with various imec.istart partners.
• Spot opportunities: Engage with potential candidates for the imec.istart program. Recognize potentially interesting partnerships and collaborations within the tech & startup ecosystem.
• Screen projects: Assist in screening promising ideas and projects, such as during pitch days.
• Coordinate the investment process: Lead the legal and administrative processes associated with investments, working closely with our legal team and fund management.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at either our Ghent or Antwerp office. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

• You have a Master’s degree or equivalent level of thinking.
• You bring 7 to 15 years of relevant work experience, ideally within an entrepreneurial setting. Hands-on experience in a start-up is a plus, either as a founder or employee.
• You have excellent communication skills, with fluency in English and preferably notions of Dutch.
• You have a keen interest in and understanding of the latest trends in technology, innovation and business.
• You are a natural and enthusiastic networker, capable of building strong relationships and persuading others.
• You are a proactive problem solver who can quickly and effectively respond to the needs of entrepreneurs.
• You are the embodiment of the entrepreneurial mindset, including innovation and flexibility in everything you do.
• You thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment and are a true team player.
• You combine a hands-on approach with a strategic overview, achieving goals efficiently.
• You have basic awareness of the administrative and legal elements of investments deals, and are not afraid to dive into these topics.
• You are looking for a dynamic and varied role in a stimulating environment.

IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.