Venture studio investor & builder

About the role

Personio Capital is actively searching for a dynamic investor and builder to join our Berlin-based team, focusing on the identification and cultivation of the next generation of AI-driven startups. This unique position sits at the critical nexus of venture capital and hands-on company creation, requiring you to act as a catalyst for entrepreneurs who are looking to turn abstract technological concepts into high-growth, investable enterprises. You will be instrumental in the pre-seed journey, providing the strategic oversight and operational support necessary to navigate the complexities of building a business from the ground up. By joining our team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the European AI landscape while working alongside seasoned experts in the field.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Proactively source, attract, and recruit high-potential founders-in-residence by leveraging your professional network and utilizing advanced data-driven discovery platforms.
• Rigorously evaluate and pressure-test nascent business concepts, ensuring that every project has a solid foundation before moving to the next stage of development.
• Provide comprehensive guidance to founders throughout the entire ideation phase, assisting with product validation and the refinement of initial go-to-market strategies.
• Support early-stage teams by facilitating user acquisition experiments and conducting thorough technical architecture reviews to ensure scalability and robustness.
• Author detailed investment memos and prepare comprehensive project dossiers for presentation to our Investment Committee, justifying the viability and potential of each venture.
• Actively represent Personio within the broader startup ecosystem by attending industry networking events, fostering strategic partnerships, and engaging with key stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with the broader Personio ecosystem to ensure that our portfolio companies have access to the resources and talent they need to thrive.
• Monitor the progress of incubated projects, offering ongoing operational support and strategic pivots when necessary to maximize the probability of success.
• Maintain a deep understanding of emerging AI trends to ensure our investment thesis remains at the cutting edge of the industry.
• Assist in the transition of projects from the incubation phase to independent, fully-funded startups ready for external institutional investment.

Requirements

• Possess multiple years of professional experience in the development of AI or Machine Learning products, either as a technical founder, an early-stage engineer, or a senior product lead.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of successfully navigating the product lifecycle, specifically taking a concept from initial discovery through to securing the first set of paying customers.
• Hold an academic background in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a closely related technical discipline that provides a solid foundation for evaluating complex AI systems.
• Exhibit the ability to manage a diverse portfolio of projects simultaneously, seamlessly transitioning between deep-dive technical discussions and high-level commercial strategy.
• Maintain a high degree of intellectual honesty, ensuring that feedback is transparent and constructive, while adopting a low-ego approach to supporting founder success.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical value propositions to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Prior professional experience working within the angel or venture capital investment space.
• Deep, specialized domain knowledge in high-impact fields such as Industrial AI, Healthcare, Robotics, or FinTech.
• Native or near-native proficiency in the German language to facilitate local outreach and operations.
• An established and active network of founders and industry professionals within the DACH region.
• Previous experience in a formal or informal capacity mentoring, coaching, or advising early-stage entrepreneurs.

Skills & tools

• AI/ML product development
• 0-to-1 product lifecycle management
• Go-to-market strategy
• Technical architecture assessment
• Investment memo writing
• Financial modeling for early-stage ventures
• Founder recruitment and talent assessment
• Strategic business development

Practical notes

• Your compensation package includes meaningful carry participation in our dedicated AI fund, aligning your success with the long-term growth of our portfolio.
• You will be granted full access to the expansive Personio ecosystem, including the AI Campus, Personio Momentum, and the prestigious AI House Davos, providing unparalleled networking opportunities.
• We value direct applications and welcome warm introductions, though they are not a mandatory requirement for your candidacy.
• This role is based in Berlin, offering a front-row seat to one of Europe's most vibrant technology hubs.