• You will be working in a team of exercise physiologists, sports data scientists and cycling enthusiasts and will be leading the product and business strategy for the spin-off.
  
  

• Conduct thorough market research to identify potential opportunities and trends in the cycling industry.
  
  

• Analyze competitor landscapes, assess market positioning, define and execute the company strategy towards the successful development and commercialization for the model / technology.
  
  

• Leverage your broad network in sports, technology and innovation in general and cycling in particular to translate the prototypes and customers’ needs into product specifications that drive the development roadmap. Identify new business opportunities and develop strategic partnerships if required.
  
  

• Work in close co-operation with the technical team to build and execute the product development roadmap by e.g. defining the business model and the go-to-market strategy and ensuring alignment of short-term and long-term objectives.
  
  

• Align the suggested roadmap with the key researchers and the Victoris’ leading Business Developer (Kristof De Mey).
  
  

• Close deals with the first paying customers and/or partners.
  
  

• Identify and attract key resources to build a high-performing and ambitious team and ensure the full engagement of the team for company success.
  
  

• Prepare for setting up the company’s legal structure, founder agreements, financial plan, etc.
  
  

• Assembling an advisory board with the key opinion leaders in the fields relevant for the business.
  
  

• Attend and present at relevant events and coordinate the broader communication actions regarding the project.
  
  

• Develop an exciting yet realistic business plan, set-up agreements with co-founders and raise the necessary funds.
  
  

• Build trust relations with customers, key partners and stakeholders and act as a liaison between the project team, investors, and the wider cycling community.
  
  

• You have an academic degree (Master level) in movement and sports sciences, engineering or business management or similar expertise by professional experience.
• You are an enthusiastic entrepreneurial minded (potential) CEO or business lead with proven experience in building or managing sports or health tech ventures towards individual athletes, teams, federations, companies, or other stakeholders.
  
  

• You have a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with academic researchers, translating their work into viable business opportunities.
  
  

• You’re knowledgeable in terms of user-centered design, digital product creation, market validation and go-to-market strategies, preferably in a sport or health startup context.
  
  

• You have a passion for cycling and have built a significant network in this area.
  
  

• You’re familiar with intellectual property (IP) management and the ability to navigate the commercialization of academic research while respecting university policies.
  
  

• You possess outstanding organizational and leadership skills with proven experience in driving a talented team to reach its targets within the set timing and available budget.
  
  

• You have experience with fundraising (from business angels, investment funds and/or grants).
  
  

• You are an excellent communicator and have strong public speaking skills. You can articulate the company strategy into a comprehensible storyline for non-experts.
  
  

• You are familiar with diverse business functions such as sales, marketing, finance, IP, etc. Hands-on experience with these functions is a plus.
  
  

• Previous experience with a cycling related tech startup is a plus.
  
  

• You are based or willing to be based in Belgium (and you are legally allowed to work in Belgium) with potential to operate in hybrid mode (on-site and partial remote).
  
  

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from the 15th of October 2024 to the 14th of April 2026
• Your contract will start on the 15st of October 2024 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree). Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).
  
  

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results,