Company Overview
A well-funded deep-tech company with a strong scientific and technological foundation is entering a new phase of growth, transitioning from an R&D-led organisation into a commercially focused scale-up.
The business operates at the frontier of advanced photonics and semiconductor technologies, with applications in next-generation computing and communications. Having established strong technical credibility and IP, the organisation is now focused on building the structures, leadership, and commercial engine required to scale globally.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the company through its next stage of growth and transformation.
This role will be responsible for driving the professionalisation of the organisation, defining long-term strategy, and building a scalable commercial business while maintaining the company’s strong technical and entrepreneurial DNA.
The CEO will work closely with the founders, board, and leadership team to translate deep-tech innovation into a sustainable, high-growth business.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Culture
- Define and execute long-term vision, strategy, and roadmap
- Position the company to stay closely connected to emerging opportunities across markets, technologies, and partners
- Lead the transition from R&D-focused organisation to a commercially driven business
- Build a strong, values-led culture focused on innovation, excellence, and collaboration
- Lead fundraising across venture capital, strategic investors, and public funding sources
- Manage investor relations and board engagement
- Ensure strong governance, financial planning, and risk management
- Build and lead a high-performing leadership team
- Oversee operational scaling in partnership with the COO
- Align technical, commercial, and operational functions into a unified execution model
Partnerships
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships across suppliers, foundries, and ecosystem partners
- Strengthen positioning within key industry and research ecosystems
Key Requirements
Experience
- Proven CEO, founder, or senior executive experience in deep-tech, semiconductor, photonics, or advanced hardware environments
- Strong track record scaling technology companies from early stage through commercialisation
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising and investor relations
- Strong strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability
- Ability to bridge advanced engineering / physics with commercial realities
- High credibility with both technical teams and external stakeholders
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building structure in fast-evolving environments
- Degree in Engineering, Physics, Finance, Business, or related field preferred
- Entrepreneurial, resilient, and mission-driven
- Strong communicator with executive presence
- Values integrity, transparency, and long-term impact
- Willingness to be regularly onsite and travel 20% of time
Why This Role
- Lead a company at the forefront of next-generation photonic technologies
- Work closely with a world-class technical founding team
- Take ownership of a pivotal transition from R&D to global commercial scale-up
- High-impact leadership role with significant strategic influence and equity participation
