Venture Builder (March 2025)

Beanstalk AgTech is seeking a Venture Builder for a fixed-term contract to support the Drought Venture Studio in Carlton, VIC. The role involves collaborating with innovators, guiding commercialization plans, and engaging with local agrifood networks. Candidates should have 4-6 years of relevant experience in entrepreneurship or venture capital. The position requires a presence in co-working spaces in Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney at least two days a week.
We are hiring a Venture Builder who will join the Beanstalk Ventures team on a fixed term contract. The Venture Builder will support our landmark partnership with the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund to deliver the Drought Venture Studio.

The Venture Builder is the main interface between the entrepreneurs/innovators/ventures and the broader Drought Venture Studio. They will report into the Lead Venture Architect and will be paired with a small group of innovators as well as contributing to the knowledge, structure, approach and events of the broader commercialisation program. The Venture Builder will also work more deeply with 1-2 Ventures-in-Residence to support them on their commercialisation journey.

In The Role Of Venture Builder, You Will
• Collaborate with the other Venture Builders, the Lead Venture Architect, the Senior Venture Builder, and the Head of Ventures to deliver commercialisation support, coaching and mentoring to each cohort of innovators;
• Guide innovators through building a commercialisation plan and supporting the innovators towards effective business, market and customer development; this may include go-to market plans, and trial support;
• Co-facilitate the prioritisation of critical drought “challenges” which will form the focus for each cohort through engaging with farmers, agrifood corporates, local Drought and Innovation Hubs and the broader industry;
• Scout for leading solutions globally, and engage in the innovator recruitment process;
• Cultivate a local network for the Drought Venture Studio, including leading agrifood corporates farmers, early-stage investors, major industry bodies and prospective venture founders;
• Represent the Drought Venture Studio at your local Drought Innovation Hub to ensure alignment with hub objectives and priorities;
• Stay informed about the global innovation landscape in agtech, agriculture, climate and drought resilience technology.

Requirements
• Minimum 4-6 years' experience in entrepreneurship, early-stage ventures, venture capital, startup methodology, accelerators and/or venture building;
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge of agriculture, agtech or the agrifood sector is highly desirable;
• Experience with business coaching, startup mentoring, leadership skills, and potential lean startup methodology e.g. implementing early feedback loops to enable continuous feedback, learning and iteration for ventures, products and services;
• Experience with industry research or analytical modelling;
• Experience in helping to communicate and create impactful presentations and pitch decks;
• Ability to work collaboratively with your fellow Venture Builders, as well as independently with your ventures and innovators;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills and public speaking experience.

Even if you do not possess all of the above attributes, we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Please note, applications will be accepted until Monday 17 March at 9pm AEDT.

Location:
• Located within Australia, with a strong preference for Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney (due to our hybrid working pattern, with the expectation of a minimum of 2 days/week in one of our co-working spaces in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney CBDs). Please note we are unable to employ candidates who do not already have work rights within Australia or are not physically located in Australia.
• Ad hoc travel across the program to Drought Hubs (rural or regional Australia) or for program workshops and events (expectation of 1-2 days / month).

Remuneration is negotiable based upon commensurate experience.

Benefits
• Work From Home - Flexible hours
• Training & Development
• Free Coffee