Venture Creation Lead

Overview

Venture Creation Lead - Edinburgh Innovations. Join to help turn exceptional University of Edinburgh research into new ventures with real-world impact. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys ownership, pace and variety - working directly with academic founders to shape opportunities, test commercial potential and help build companies rooted in know-how, software and AI.

You will work across a broad mix of ideas, from AI/ML and scientific SaaS to digital health, edtech and social enterprise, supporting ventures from early validation through to company formation. It is a role with breadth, autonomy and visibility, offering the chance to work alongside researchers and help create companies with potential for societal and commercial impact.

Responsibilities

• Work with academic founders to shape opportunities, test commercial potential and help build companies rooted in know-how, software and AI.
• Support ventures from early validation through to company formation across a broad mix of ideas (AI/ML, SaaS, digital health, edtech, social enterprise).
• Collaborate with researchers, provide hands-on ownership, pace and delivery-focused support in a lean environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• A builder at heart: former founder, startup operator, venture builder or venture creation professional who turns ideas into action.
• Commercially minded with strong judgement on viability, investability and value.
• Comfortable working with academics and technical founders, able to challenge constructively, build trust and support success.
• Confident across customer discovery, market validation, business models and early company formation.
• Energised by working across a wide range of sectors and technologies, not narrowly specialized.
• Practical, adaptable and delivery-focused, resilient in lean, fast-moving environments requiring initiative and follow-through.

About Us

At Edinburgh Innovations (EI), our culture is built on three core values: Collaborative, Progressive and Innovative. We believe the best results come from working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. We're always looking forward, embracing change, challenging assumptions, and pushing boundaries to grow. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, encouraging creativity and fresh thinking at every level of the business.

If you thrive in a team-driven environment that values bold ideas and continuous improvement, you'll fit right in.

Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. EI celebrates diversity in all its forms and actively seeks to create a team that reflects the communities around us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities because different perspectives make us stronger.

Benefits and What You Can Look Forward To

• A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
• An exciting, positive, and creative workplace that's rewarding as well as challenging
• A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holiday entitlement
• Comprehensive benefits package, including a defined contribution pension scheme (employee 3.5/4.5%, employer 9/14.5%), family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and more
• Ongoing support to develop your skills, grow your career, and recognise your achievements

About You

At EI, we look for people who live our core behaviours in everything they do:

• You work well with others, build strong relationships, and believe that teamwork drives better outcomes.
• You are curious, creative, and not afraid to challenge the norm to find smarter solutions.
• You take responsibility for your work, follow through on commitments, and are driven to deliver results.
• You seek feedback, grow from experiences, and are always looking to improve.
• You genuinely care about the impact of your work on colleagues, customers, and the wider community.

Application Information

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter that tells us why you're interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit.

Right to Work

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. You will be required to provide documentation as part of the recruitment process to confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 21 August 2026. The closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If applying outside the UK, the closing time on the advert adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will be held early to mid-September.