Founders Associate

About the company

Mycolever is a TechBio and biotech startup building sustainable bioactive ingredients for consumer care and adjacent markets. The company uses fungi as its core technology and works across the full journey from early discovery and wet-lab testing to scaling and commercial launch. Its mission is to advance fungal innovation for a better future.

Role overview

As a full-time Founders Associate, you will partner closely with the founding team on both strategic and operational work across the business. This position gives you exposure to how a science-driven startup is built at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and sustainable next-generation ingredients. Your work will span go-to-market, business development, product strategy, fundraising, finance, management, and broader company-building efforts that help turn scientific progress into market outcomes.

Team and leadership

You will work with an experienced founding team, an accomplished board, and venture investors focused on impact.

The company is led by Dr. Britta Winterberg (CEO/CTO) and Niels Dietzsch (CCO/COO/CFO). Britta guides the technology direction and brings deep experience in fungal biotechnology and fermentation. Niels oversees company building and operational delivery across sales, operations, and finance. Both founders bring more than 15 years of experience in their respective areas.

Advisory support includes Dr. Andreas Gocke, formerly a Partner at Boston Consulting Group in the global chemicals practice, and Dr. Andreas Heyl, CTO at Formo Bio and SPRIND and formerly CTO at Insempra.

Mycolever is supported by investors including FoodLabs, Ananda Impact Ventures, and UTUM, giving the business long-term backing, credibility, and access to the wider European bioeconomy ecosystem.

What you will do

• Work as a close partner to the founders on strategic decisions, planning, and high-priority initiatives.
• Research markets, analyze competitors, and benchmark the industry to uncover opportunities and guide decisions.
• Own and coordinate cross-functional projects across business, technology, and operations to keep priorities aligned and milestones on track.
• Improve internal processes to strengthen efficiency and support scalable growth.
• Assist with people operations and finance-related activities such as hiring, budgeting, and coordination with external partners.
• Help prepare board meetings, fundraising rounds, and investor-facing materials.
• Contribute to organizational design, leadership processes, and the development of a strong team culture.

What the company is looking for

• At least 2 years of professional experience, with a strong commercial and analytical profile and an interest in deep-tech and science-based innovation.
• A background in business, management, business and technology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a similar field.
• Exposure to consulting, venture building, the industrial bioeconomy, or bio-chemical industries is a plus, and familiarity with personal care, cosmetics, home care, food, or feed markets is beneficial.
• A proactive, hands-on, and entrepreneurial approach, along with genuine interest in innovation, sustainability, and building impactful technology companies.
• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to break down complex topics, derive insights, and convert them into practical actions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Comfort working with ambiguity, succeeding in fast-moving environments, and taking ownership to deliver independently.

Benefits

• A rare chance to help shape the future of the bioeconomy.
• An inspiring, collaborative environment at the intersection of fungal biotechnology, deep-tech, and venture building.
• Strong opportunities for personal and professional growth in an ambitious startup.
• A culture centered on curiosity, humility, and long-term impact, combining scientific excellence with entrepreneurial drive.

Additional information

Mycolever welcomes applications without extensive documents. The company is committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Candidates from all backgrounds, especially underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply.