As the
Founders Associate – Strategy, Product & Finance in AI/ML
, you'll work with the founders to shape Code17's next major leap: transitioning getML into a scalable SaaS offering. This role combines strategic product thinking with involvement in the finance ecosystem - helping us explore, design, and lead either an organic growth path or a VC-backed trajectory.
You'll play a critical role in shaping how Code17 grows, develops partnerships, and builds the future of machine learning services for relational data - the digital backbone of any major company.
This role includes a clear path to significant equity and future C-level responsibility.
Who we are:
As a lean, bootstrapped team of 12, Code17 GmbH brings together senior software architects and pioneering ML researchers to partner with leading enterprises – Arvato, PwC, and AOK – on their toughest software engineering and AI challenges.
Our USP:
At Code17, we build getML, a problem agnostic ML library for predictive analytics on relational business data. Our software combines proprietary and open-source components to deliver state-of-the-art automation for feature engineering. It cuts project timelines from months to days - while increasing accuracy and model interpretability. – Read more at
Position Details:
* Anticipated Start Date:
Q2/2025
* Location:
On-site or remote during the first six months (based in the EU, with Leipzig comfortably reachable by train). Long-term, this is a leadership role based in Leipzig.
Tasks
This is a founder-track role with real influence. You'll take ownership of our SaaS strategy and help define the future of our service:
* Drive SaaS Product & Market Fit:
Define the getML SaaS product roadmap with engineering, translate market needs into specifications, and secure early product-market fit.
* Shape IP & Open-Source Strategy:
Develop and execute our IP and open-source strategy for getML, balancing commercial and community goals.
* Lead SaaS Growth & Financial Modeling:
Analyze growth paths (organic, VC), develop supporting business/financial models, and lead execution.
* Build Strategic Partnerships:
Identify and secure partnerships (tech, financial) to accelerate product adoption and revenue.
* Manage Financial Planning & Fundraising:
Oversee SaaS financial metrics and modeling. If VC is chosen, co-lead fundraising: investor relations, pitching, and closing deals.
Requirements
At Code17, we value passion, creativity, and the willingness to grow. Key qualifications for this role include:
* 0–5 years in tech consulting, VC, SaaS product management, or as a startup founder.
* Good understanding of ML concepts and their business applications.
* Experience shaping product vision, roadmaps, and achieving market fit (SaaS preferred).
* Solid financial skills: modeling, SaaS metrics (ARR, LTV, CAC), and VC fundamentals.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
* Clear communication skills for diverse audiences.
* Proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and an entrepreneurial spirit.
* Fluent German and English.
Benefits
We work hard, but we also believe it should be fun and help you excel personally and professionally:
* Latest hardware, including your choice of Apple or Framework notebooks, height-adjustable desk, and a 40" curved screen
* Subsidized lunches, a job ticket for commuting, and a fitness membership (Urban Sports Club or EGYM Wellpass)
* Monthly team weeks and retreats for strategic planning, trend discussions, and social activities
* Open culture that values honest feedback and new ideas
* Free drinks, from coffee to after-hours beer in our office
* Flexible working hours and a hybrid arrangement in Leipzig
* Option to work remotely from most parts of the world for a defined period
As problem-solvers, we value out-of-the-box thinking—show us why you're the right fit. Present your skills and abilities in any way; the key is to make a lasting impression.
Next Steps:
1. Initial contact within one week
2. Interview with our team
3. Case study
4. Personal meeting in Leipzig
5. Onboarding
Our Socials
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