Founding CTO (AI/ML / Data Product)

Accountabilities:

As a founding technology leader, you will drive the technical and product development of an AI-powered B2B venture, balancing feasibility, customer needs, and commercial potential throughout the 12-week program.

• Identify and validate a B2B problem where AI can deliver measurable value through time savings, cost reduction, or risk mitigation.

• Define a product-focused MVP that addresses a clear customer need rather than prioritizing model complexity for its own sake.

• Design the data strategy, including data collection, labeling, evaluation, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

• Architect and deliver a reliable prototype or MVP, incorporating APIs, data pipelines, appropriate safeguards, and feedback loops.

• Establish foundational production practices for model deployment, monitoring, reliability, and ongoing performance evaluation.

• Iterate on the product based on validation results, user feedback, and evolving business requirements.

• Develop a compelling technical and product narrative for potential investors, explaining the venture's competitive advantage, data strategy, and product roadmap.

• Collaborate with co-founders, mentors, and other startup participants to refine the business concept and accelerate execution.

• Dedicate approximately 10–12 hours per week to building, validating, and improving the venture over the 12-week sprint.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is an experienced software engineer with strong AI/ML or data product expertise, a product-oriented mindset, and the ambition to take ownership of a new business venture.

• At least 7 years of experience in software engineering, with substantial exposure to AI/ML or data-driven products.

• Demonstrated experience deploying software, machine learning models, or data products into production environments.

• Understanding of MLOps fundamentals, including deployment, monitoring, reliability, and performance evaluation.

• Ability to design practical AI and data solutions that address real business problems and deliver measurable outcomes.

• Strong product judgment, with the ability to define MVP scope, prioritize essential functionality, and determine when a solution is ready for validation.

• Experience or familiarity with APIs, data pipelines, evaluation frameworks, and production-ready system design.

• An entrepreneurial mindset, with a genuine desire to build a company, take ownership of technical decisions, and participate in the potential upside of a venture.

• Ability to work independently, make decisions under uncertainty, and move quickly from problem discovery to product execution.

• Willingness to commit approximately 10–12 hours per week for 12 weeks.

• Interest in collaborating with co-founders, engaging with mentors, and developing an investor-ready vision for an AI-powered B2B business.

Benefits:

• A structured, 12-week startup sprint to progress from problem discovery to MVP development, validation, and iteration.

• Fully remote participation with an international community of founders and technology professionals.

• Weekly accountability sessions and a consistent execution cadence to maintain momentum and focus.

• Access to a network of more than 500 mentors specializing in B2B businesses, product development, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising.

• Connections to a global alumni network of more than 440 startups across over 40 countries, offering opportunities for learning, collaboration, and introductions.

• A practical CTO toolkit for AI ventures, covering product scoping, model evaluation, deployment, and the development of a defensible competitive advantage.

• The opportunity to become a co-founder or join a founding team and build an AI-powered business with long-term growth potential.

• A participation fee is required after acceptance to secure commitment to the cohort.