Venture Creation Lead

Venture Creation Lead

Grade 8 48137 - 58379

Join Edinburgh Innovations 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 and stimulating 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 genuine breadth autonomy and visibility offering the chance to work alongside outstanding researchers and help create companies with strong potential for societal and commercial impact.

The experience and qualities we are looking for:

• A builder at heart: perhaps a former founder startup operator venture builder or venture creation professional who enjoys turning ideas into action.
• Commercially minded with strong judgement on what makes an opportunity viable investable and worth pursuing.
• Comfortable working with academics and technical founders with the ability to challenge constructively build trust and support others to succeed.
• Confident across customer discovery market validation business models and the early steps of company formation.
• Energised by working across a wide range of sectors and technologies rather than specialising narrowly in one domain.
• Practical adaptable and delivery-focused with the resilience to work well in a lean fast-moving environment where initiative and follow-through matter.

Click the link below to view a copy of the full job description

Us

At Edinburgh Innovations (EI) our culture is built on three core values: Collaborative Progressiveand Innovative. We believe the best results come from working together sharing ideas and supporting one another. Were 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 youll fit right in.

Championing Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Were committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued respected and empowered to thrive. At EI we celebrate diversity in all its forms and actively seek 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.

As a valued member of our team you can look forward to:

• A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
• An exciting positive and creative workplace thats as rewarding as it is challenging
• A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holiday entitlement
• A comprehensive benefits package including a defined contribution pension scheme (currently 3.5/4.5% employee and 9/14.5% employer contributions) 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.

• Youre 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.

If this sounds like you wed love to hear from you.

Application Information

Please submit yourCValong with acovering letter that tells us why youre 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. Unfortunately we are not able to offer sponsorshipfor 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 to note

The closing date for applications is 21 August 2026

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held early-mid September.