Startup Engagement Manager (m/w/d) · Düsseldorf oder München

Your mission

As Startup Engagement Manager, you take end-to-end ownership of identifying, activating, qualifying, and converting high-potential German startups for our international scaling programs.
You combine strategic advisory thinking with commercial responsibility: from first conversation to high-quality application, you guide founders through the evaluation process and act as their first trusted partner within German Accelerator & Start2 Group.
This role includes both inbound and outbound elements. You will work with scout-qualified leads as well as proactively activate relevant startups within the ecosystem. The focus is on building a high-quality, strategically aligned pipeline.
You are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, shaping your engagement approach and taking responsibility for conversion outcomes.

Your responsibilities

• Own the startup engagement funnel from first contact to application
• Conduct strategic qualification calls and assess international readiness
• Advise founders on program fit and global scaling pathways
• Close high-potential startups into the right programs
• Collaborate closely with scouting and program teams
• Continuously refine engagement strategy and qualification logic
• Represent German Accelerator in relevant ecosystem environments

Your profile

• 2–6 years of experience in startup ecosystem, business development, accelerator, VC, or growth roles
• Proven experience in relationship-based sales and closing
• Strong understanding of startup scaling dynamics
• Confident in independent stakeholder conversations (incl. C-level founders)
• Experience working with CRM systems (ideally HubSpot)
• Existing network within the German startup ecosystem is a strong plus
• High level of ownership and entrepreneurial mindset
• English language skills are required; German is a Bonus

You are not:

• A pure outbound sales profile focused on call volume
• A purely strategic consultant without commercial responsibility

You are:

• Commercially sharp, yet founder-oriented
• Structured, analytical, and outcome-driven
• Comfortable operating autonomously
• Motivated by impact, not activity metrics

Why us?

This role offers real ownership and visibility within the German startup ecosystem.

You will:

• Take responsibility for a strategically relevant part of our scaling funnel
• Work directly with ambitious German founders and international program teams
• Help shape how startups expand into the US, Asia, and other global markets
• Operate at the intersection of sales, strategy, and ecosystem building
• Contribute to strengthening Europe’s international startup footprint

We offer a high degree of autonomy, meaningful responsibility from day one, and a collaborative environment that values substance over hierarchy.

Flexible working arrangements, a strong international network, and a mission-driven team culture are part of our everyday work.