Co-Founder (CXO) - Maritime Technology Startup (f/m/d)

Join our next venture as Co-Founder and Managing Director of an early stage, industry redefining start-up.

Shipping is the backbone of the global economy, transporting 90% of world trade, and yet remains one of the final frontiers of digitalisation. But now the the industry stands at an inflection point, moving ever more rapidly towards a connected, sustainable, AI-powered future. You can drive this transformation.

With our maritime tech venture-building programme, you take ownership of a pre-validated concept, access early-stage customers, and utilise our team of experts to ready your startup for launch. Bring your new venture to full speed with our initial funding, venture-building resources, plus hands-on operational and strategic firepower from our team. Drive towards product/market fit over the first 6-12 months. And then it’s time to scale!

Building your startup won’t be easy, especially in this complex global industry. The exhilarating feeling of your product gaining traction, and the rewards of success and scale are reached only after journeying through uncertainty and an array of tough obstacles. To get where you want to go, having the right co-founding partner on day one makes all the difference. We’ll have your back and support you every step of the way. With our background in shipping, venture capital, successful start-ups, and top-tier consulting, we’ve got the domain expertise, industry networks, and gritty company building know-how to maximise your chance of success.

Are you ready to co-found your maritime technology venture with us?

• You (and your co-founder) will be fully responsible for the strategy, growth and overall success of your company and the product
• Retain and develop a world-class team
• Set the tone, build the culture, be a role model
• Build a sound, scalable organisation structure and processes
• Drive product and tech development
• Drive customer acquisition, retention and growth
• Own and control finance
• Be the face of the company to the outside world, establish partnerships and build a strong presence in the market

• Whether your background is commercial or technical, we want to hear from you. The main thing is that you are committed to building a startup as the next chapter of your professional journey.
• You have proven success as a founder, OR proven top pedigree in a leading role in a startup with significant impact on the success of the company, OR a proven exceptional record in the shipping industry.
• You excel at creative problem-solving in uncertain situations, pragmatic execution with limited resources, and combine yours hands-on skills with the power to shape a long term vision.
• When working with others you show that you have mastered a diverse communication toolkit, can collaborate effectively, and people gravitate to you as a natural leader.
• As a character you show strong conviction and resilience, cultural adaptability, and positive stress management.
• If you have logistics experience that is a plus, but not a requirement.
• Fluent English is a must. German is a plus. So are other languages.
• You are fully aware that being a founder comes with a strong upside but none of the economic security of a corporate career -- and excited about it.

• Winning Ideas: Our team and industry partners have pre-validated venture ideas that are tackling real industry problems. 

• Market Access: Benefit from curated industry partners ready to collaborate and become pilot customers from day one.

• Strategic Investment: Secure six-figure pre-seed funding on launch day and access our network of early-stage investors for future capital needs.

• Company Setup: Access centralised playbooks, tools, and processes developed by experienced founders to streamline your company setup.

• Find Your Co-Founder: Connect with a co-founder during our pre-launch programme or receive dedicated support to find your ideal match afterwards.

• Our Team: Leverage our experts hands-on support who will integrate into your business as key functions.

• Equity Structure: You and your co-founders are managing directors of the venture, and the majority of equity is held by you and your team.

• Global Network: Access our global ecosystem across Europe and Southeast Asia, and receive a wealth of opportunities to connect with investors, customers, and industry experts.

Flagship Founders is the first company builder focussed on maritime technology, logistics and shipping. Based in Berlin, we work with ambitious founders and teams to build scalable, high-growth digital ventures that will shape the future of our industry.



We believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success at Flagship Founders. We make hiring decisions based on your experience and skills. Therefore, we welcome applications from all members of society, regardless of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.