Program Manager – Acceleration & Venture Programs (m/f/d)

About Zukunft.Gründen

Entrepreneurship is changing. And so are we.

Zukunft.Gründen exists to redefine how entrepreneurship is built, supported, and scaled in Germany. We believe that future-proof companies are not created by chance—but through intentional design and innovation, courageous founders, and ecosystems that enable real impact.

Over the past 2 years since our founding, we have grown from a regional initiative into a high-paced venture studio and accelerator platform, working at the intersection of startups, SMEs, universities, investors, and public institutions. We support founders and organizations tackling the most pressing challenges of our time—social, economic, and environmental—across sectors such as:

• Agriculture & food systems
• Construction & the built environment
• Mobility & Automotive
• Education & future skills
• Labor markets & the future of work
• Climate, circularity, and regional transformation

We combine venture building, acceleration programs, tailored innovation services, and early-stage investments into one integrated approach. In close collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences Nürtingen-Geislingen (HfWU) and a growing national and international partner network ( i.e. Climate KIC), we translate academic excellence and system thinking into real-world ventures.

A new chapter

Following recent strategic investments, Zukunft.Gründen is entering a new phase of growth. We are scaling our flagship programs, launching new acceleration formats across Germany, and building a national benchmark for “Gemeinwohlorientierte Unternehmentum”. This is where you come in.

The Role

We are looking for a Program Manager who is excited to build, run, and scale acceleration programs for ambitious, impact-driven startups. You will work closely with our Director of Growth & Operations and external partners to design and deliver programs that help founders move faster—from idea to market, from pilot to scale.

This is not a purely administrative role. It is a builder role.

You will operate in a high-growth, experimental venture studio environment, where speed, ownership, and learning-by-doing are essential. The position is designed to evolve into a Program Lead role, with increasing strategic and leadership responsibility as our programs scale.

What You Will Do

Program Design & Delivery

• Co-design and implement Zukunft.Gründen’s acceleration and venture programs, including our flagship accelerator.
• Translate complex societal and economic challenges into clear program themes, formats, and learning journeys.
• Shape hands-on workshops, mentoring structures, and cohort experiences that founders actually need.

Startup & Ecosystem Engagement

• Scout, select, and engage outstanding startups aligned with our mission and sector focus.
• Actively work with founders throughout the program—facilitating workshops, moderating sessions, and coordinating mentors.
• Build strong bridges between startups, investors, corporates, universities, and public stakeholders.

Operations, Impact & Growth

• Own program operations end-to-end: timelines, KPIs, budgets, and evaluations.
• Continuously improve program quality based on feedback, data, and learning loops.
• Collaborate with the Growth & Communications teams on storytelling, visibility, and fundraising for programs.

Ecosystem Building

• Cultivate long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, partners, mentors, and funders.
• Contribute to positioning Zukunft.Gründen as a national reference point for future-proof entrepreneurship.

What You Bring

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, social sciences, innovation, sustainability, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience in program management, ideally within accelerators, incubators, startups, or innovation ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of the German startup landscape, with a genuine interest in impact-driven and systemic business models.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills in English and German.
• A hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset—you are comfortable with ambiguity, speed, and iteration and you proactively look for collaborative solutions.
• A deep motivation to work with founders and contribute to solutions for societal, economic, and environmental challenges.

What We Offer

• A strategic role at the heart of a fast-growing venture studio with national and international ambition.
• The opportunity to shape programs from scratch and shaping a new set of standards for entrepreneurship support in Germany.
• A steep learning curve, real ownership, and a clear path toward a Program Lead position.
• A collaborative, international, and purpose-driven team culture built on trust, openness, and continuous feedback.
• Access to a strong ecosystem of startups, investors, universities, corporates, and public partners.
• A competitive full-time position with long-term development opportunities.

Ready to build the next generation of entrepreneurship with us?

Next Steps – How to Apply

1. Apply online
   Submit a short video (English or German – German is preferred) answering the questions here and upload your CV here :
   Job application_Program Manager_2026
2. Interview process
   If you pass the first screening, you will be invited to:
   • Interview 1: Conversation with Maria Ida Palmieri, Director of Growth & Operations
   • Short case study: You will receive a small, practical case to work on in between interviews
   • Interview 2: Final interview with our CEO

We aim for a focused, respectful, and transparent process—designed to give both sides a clear sense of fit, ambition, and working style.

We look forward to getting to know you and exploring whether you want to help shape the next era of Zukunft.Gründen with us.

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