Business / Industry Co-Founder (F/M/D) Role At Startup Guardsphere

About This Opportunity

Our talent team is representing a confidential deep-tech cybersecurity startup in the industrial security space, based in Saarbrücken, Germany. This is a co-founder opportunity for an experienced go-to-market professional who can transform validated R&D into commercial traction within the German manufacturing and utilities sectors.

The founding team has validated their industrial network security solution with dozens of industry professionals and secured significant non-dilutive government funding. They now need a business co-founder to build the commercial engine and drive customer acquisition. This is an on-site, equity-based co-founder role with incorporation planned for mid-2025.

Responsibilities

As Business Co-Founder, you will own:

• Building and executing the go-to-market strategy for the German manufacturing and utilities sectors, converting validated customer interest into pilots and paying contracts
• Bridging technical capabilities with the budget cycles and risk considerations of Plant Managers and CISOs in industrial environments
• Developing commercial strategy including pricing, packaging, and positioning as the prototype matures into a repeatable product offering
• Understanding and navigating industrial procurement processes, OT security budgets, and enterprise buying decisions
• Leading company incorporation activities and supporting fundraising efforts alongside the technical co-founders
• Establishing the company's presence in the OT cybersecurity ecosystem and regulatory compliance landscape

What We're Looking For

Required Experience:

• Proven business development or sales experience in OT/ICS cybersecurity, industrial automation, or closely related B2B industrial technology sectors
• Deep understanding of German manufacturing and utilities procurement cycles, budget structures, and enterprise decision-making processes
• Ability to communicate complex technical security solutions to non-technical stakeholders in industrial settings

Especially Valuable:

• Existing network among Plant Managers, CISOs, or OT security decision-makers in German industry
• Familiarity with IEC 62443 and other industrial cybersecurity compliance standards
• Experience with regulation-driven technology adoption cycles in critical infrastructure sectors
• Track record converting early-stage technical solutions into revenue-generating products

How We Work With You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. A recruiter from our team will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and co-founder readiness. We then facilitate introductions to the founding team for mutual evaluation. Please do not attempt to contact the client organization directly, as this is a confidential search being managed exclusively through our recruitment process.

Compensation

This is a co-founder equity position. Compensation details, including founder equity split and vesting terms, will be discussed during the interview process based on experience and contribution scope.

Equal Opportunity: Get A Job.ai and our clients are committed to building diverse teams. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.