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.
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Startup Engagement Manager (m/w/d) Düsseldorf oder München Arbeitgeber: Start2 Group GmbH
Die Start2 Group ist ein hervorragender Arbeitgeber, der Werkstudenten die Möglichkeit bietet, in einem dynamischen und innovativen Umfeld zu arbeiten. Mit einem starken Fokus auf persönliche und berufliche Entwicklung sowie einer offenen und kollaborativen Unternehmenskultur in den pulsierenden Städten Köln, Düsseldorf und Aachen, profitieren Mitarbeiter von vielfältigen Wachstumschancen und einem inspirierenden Netzwerk. Hier können Sie aktiv an der Gestaltung neuer Geschäftsmodelle mitwirken und Teil eines globalen Innovationsökosystems werden.
