HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.
In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," and "Security," researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany. 

In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is looking for the earliest possible start date for a

Senior Tech Entrepreneur as Member of HPI Engine Leadership Team (f/m/x)

​The position is permanent and full-time.

Join HPI Engine to take on a vital leadership role, ideal for an innovative, inspiring leader skilled in founding tech companies, securing funding, and building thriving ecosystems. In this capacity, you will strategically expand our ecosystem and community, providing unparalleled opportunities for tech students, founders, and startups. This includes empowering female tech-entrepreneurs and enhancing diversity in the tech sector. 
This role is perfect for an experienced entrepreneur or venture capitalist eager to make a significant impact on the broader entrepreneurial landscape, fostering a thriving environment that attracts exceptional talent, founders, partners, and investors.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: You become a senior member of the HPI Engine leadership team, developing and executing strategic initiatives within your designated area of expertise and collaborating closely with the Director, the Head of Programs, and other senior leaders
• Advanced Entrepreneurial Education: Develop and lead educational initiatives focusing on the crucial phases of scaling and securing funding for tech-founder, in close collaboration with the Head of Program. In particular, you are responsible to setup or organize access to value-generating acceleration programs, ensuring they are tailored to meet the needs of diverse founders and result in successful funding and growth
• Startup Funding: Increase the readiness of early-stage startup-founders to secure Venture Capital through Engine-own acceleration programs (including structured empowerment regarding equity story, milestone definitions and tracking, growth, HR, legal etc.), collaboration with external accelerators, close work with VC funds etc.
• Mentorship and Support: Provide expert guidance and mentorship to founders, focusing on challenges associated with advanced stages of startup development
• Female Entrepreneurship: Spearhead initiatives to support and promote female entrepreneurs within the tech sector
• Ecosystem and Community Building: Develop and execute a strategic plan to enhance our vibrant, value-creating ecosystem and community. This role involves fostering an environment that supports advanced learning, collaboration, and investment opportunities, significantly boosting the ecosystem’s visibility and influence
• Infrastructure & Services Enhancement: Continue to expand and refine the infrastructure and services that support the growth and success of our HPI Engine participants and community members

Experience Requirements

• Proven Startup Founder: Extensive experience as a tech startup founder with a successful track record in scaling and funding ventures
• Venture Capital Expertise: Deep understanding of the venture capital environment with practical experience in investment strategies and managing stakeholder relationships
• Leadership in Entrepreneurial Education: Experience in and passion for developing and leading educational programs focused on late-stage startup development, particularly in scaling and fundraising
• Ecosystem and Networking Leadership: Demonstrated ability in creating and managing a dynamic ecosystem and community that supports advanced learning, collaboration, and investment opportunities
• Teamwork and Initiative: You are a mission-driven team player who is highly organized, self-driven, and ready to take responsibility in a dynamic environment. As a leader, you value and appreciate others' contributions, fostering an inclusive and respectful culture
• Bilingual: Strong communication skills in both English and German

What We Offer

• Leadership Role: A strategic position within the HPI Engine leadership team, impacting the development and success of high-tech startups
• Personal Growth Potential: As part of a rapidly growing ecosystem, you will have significant opportunities for personal development and career growth, with increasing responsibilities and influence in shaping the ecosystem and the European tech-startup scene
• Focus on Startup Founders: A unique opportunity to work with founders at critical stages of their entrepreneurial journey, far beyond the initial startup phase
• Collaborative and Innovative Environment: Engage with other senior leaders and innovators in a role that values strategic thinking and practical outcomes
• Impact: Play a key role in establishing the online presence and brand of the HPI Engine, a leading initiative in entrepreneurship
• Extensive Network: Use and connect with an extensive network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders
• Environment: Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Flexibility: Flexible working hours and remote work options

Ready to Drive Innovation?

We invite you to join us at the forefront of entrepreneurial excellence as a key member of our leadership team. If you are passionate about making a substantial impact in the tech entrepreneurial landscape and meet our qualifications, please do not hesitate to apply. Please apply exclusively via our career page.

Contact persons HR-Recruiting

Tobias Pröchtel / Nicola Mertens 
+49 331 5509-425 / -428

Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH
Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3
14482 Potsdam