Founders Factory builds and funds startups together with exceptional entrepreneurs and the world’s leading companies. Created by IPO‑exited founders, we offer founders capital, operational support from a team of hands‑on experts, and unrivalled access to a coalition of industry‑leading corporate partners. Since 2015, our portfolio of over 300 companies has raised $900 million in follow‑on funding from a roster of notable investors.
Our Studio partners with entrepreneurs from day one, developing new ideas, technologies and business models into high‑growth companies. In partnership with Vonovia, Europe’s largest residential real‑estate company, we are building a new venture to bridge the gap between sustainable material innovation and industrial‑scale adoption.
We’re looking for an experienced operator with entrepreneurial ambitions to lead GreenCircle as Founder & CEO with our investment and the full backing of Founders Factory.
Opportunity: The “Bankability Layer” for Green Construction
Sustainable construction materials have the potential to change the world, yet they are currently stuck in “pilot purgatory.” Despite global building emissions accounting for 37 % of energy‑related CO₂, innovative materials such as hempcrete or geopolymer concrete can take decades to reach the market due to fragmented data and a lack of centralized screening.
The core blocker is that procurement decisions are driven by the lowest sticker price because a 20‑year total cost of ownership is currently invisible. Developers face 20‑40 % fewer insurance options when using emerging materials due to a lack of independent durability evidence.
GreenCircle is the missing evidence infrastructure. We standardize evidence through a partner lab network, orchestrate structured pilots, and generate procurement‑ready “Decision Packs” that turn startup claims into trusted, bankable data. By making the long‑term upside visible to lenders and insurers, we unlock premium reductions and transform “expensive” sustainable choices into the cheapest long‑term options.
Our Offer
* Co‑found a company with Founders Factory’s IPO‑exited founders and entrepreneurs to develop a category‑defining materials platform.
* Access to an expert team through our Venture Studio and a 6‑month accelerator programme.
* Unlock €760,000 combined cash and hands‑on support from our experienced team.
* Validated concept and intellectual property, including a 90‑day experiment framework already designed with Vonovia.
* A dedicated studio budget (including the founder stipend, specialist resource, and infrastructure budget).
* Build with expert input and deep access to Vonovia – Europe’s largest residential real‑estate company – as your primary design partner and pilot platform.
What We’re Looking For
* Experienced founder or builder capable of operating from zero to one in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.
* Unique market insight or a top‑one‑per‑cent advantage in construction technology, sustainability, or enterprise SaaS.
* Proven ability to build a world‑class team, attract industrial customers, and navigate long enterprise sales cycles.
* Strong commercial instincts and the hustle to bridge the gap between scrappy startups and rigid corporate procurement departments.
* A clear vision for building a scalable technology platform rather than a manual consultancy.
* High IQ and EQ – able to speak the language of insurance underwriters, site managers, and ESG leads alike.
* Deep understanding of the German market and construction landscape; German language skills (fluency) are essential.
* Experience in PropTech, FinTech, or construction is a significant plus, especially if you have dealt with certification, risk management, or supply chain logistics.
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