Director of Business Development (AR/XR)

Director of Business Development (Fundraising)Cambridge-Based Deep Tech Startup | Nanophotonics & XR Technology70,000 - 80,000 base + up to 2% equity + performance bonusFull-time | Cambridge (4-5 days/week on-site preferred)About Our ClientOur client is a Cambridge University spin-out at the forefront of breakthrough optical technology that's set to revolutionize the Extended Reality (XR) industry. Backed by leading VCs and Innovate UK, they've recently closed a successful seed round and are now preparing for Series A in Q2 2025.This is abrand-new, strategic hirereporting directly to the CEO. Your primary mission in Year 1 is tolead and close the Series A fundraise by Q2 2025, while building foundations for long-term business development and revenue growth.The RoleYou'll be the driving force behind investor engagement, pitch strategy, and deal executionworking closely with the founding team to secure the funding that will scale this technology to market.Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising (Primary Focus - Year 1)Own the Series A process end-to-end: pitch deck refinement, financial modelling, investor targeting, outreach, meetings, due diligence, and closingBuild and manage investor pipeline and CRMCraft compelling narratives that communicate deep tech value to non-technical investorsLeverage founder's VC network while bringing your own connections and sourcing new opportunitiesPrepare all investor materials, data room, and board reportingTarget close:Q2 2025Business Development & PartnershipsIdentify and develop strategic partnerships with AR/VR hardware companies, automotive OEMs, and other enterprise customersSupport commercial discussions with existing and prospective partnersBuild qualified pipeline for future revenue growthRepresent the company at industry events, investor forums, and customer meetingsEssential ExperienceProven track record leading Series A, B, or C fundraises(ideally having personally closed 5M+ rounds)Deep tech or hardware startup experience(optics, photonics, semiconductors, XR/AR/VR, robotics, or similar technical domains)Strong existing investor networkin UK/EU venture capitalAbility to translate complex technical innovation into compelling investment narrativesExperience managing end-to-end fundraising processincluding pitch refinement, financial modelling, due diligence, and term sheet negotiationSelf-starter mentality comfortable owning outcomes in an early-stage, fast-moving environmentWhat's On Offer70,000 - 80,000base salary1-2% equity significant upside in a company with genuine breakthrough technologyPerformance-based bonus(tied to fundraising milestones and partnership achievements)25 days holiday+ bank holidaysGround-floor opportunityin a business with established partnerships and clear path to marketWork alongside world-class technical foundersfrom Cambridge's Centre for Photonic Devices and SensorsCambridge location heart of the UK's deep tech ecosystem (4-5 days/week on-site preferred, 1-2 days WFH flexibility available)JBRP1_UKTJ

Created: 2025-10-29