Program manager (m/w/d)

Start2 Group is a global innovation leader taking your startup journey to the next level. As a premier startup ecosystem platform, Start2 Group serves as the ultimate destination for growth-oriented startups, corporations, investors, and governments to shape and scale ventures with growth potential.

Founded in 2008, Start2 Group has consistently played a pivotal role in the success stories of thousands of startups, guiding them seamlessly from initial fundraising to global expansion. We operate in key markets across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, shaping the future of innovation on a global scale

The Start2 Group is searching for a Project / Program Manager to own the quality and consistency of startup acceleration program delivery across our global regions. You are the central accountability point between global program standards and the regional teams that execute them - ensuring that what we promise to startups and our institutional clients is actually delivered, at the right quality, every time.

Program quality and accountability

• Align closely with regional teams to ensure clarity about and contiuously track KPIs, deliverables, communication standards defined at the global level
• Define and enforce quality gates throughout the program lifecycle — from curriculum design through delivery and reporting
• Review and vet curricula and program designs proposed by regional teams, ensuring alignment with global standards and startup needs before sign-off
• Identify gaps in regional execution early and drive corrective action, escalating where needed
• Develop and maintain (or improve as needed) the processes, standards, and templates that make delivery consistent and scalable across regions

Regional collaboration

• Work as a close, trusted partner to the regional mission teams that execute programs on the ground
• Support regions in translating global program frameworks into locally relevant delivery without compromising on quality
• Run regular alignment touchpoints with regional teams to track progress, surface blockers, and share best practices
• Ensure that the full scope of services towards startups — from onboarding to graduation — is delivered consistently across all regions

Startup success and business services

• Act as the quality lens on all startup-facing services: workshops, mentoring, investor access, market intelligence, and reporting
• Ensure that program content and support offerings are genuinely useful and impactful for scaling startups
• Synthesize startup learnings and mentor feedback into structured reports for participants and clients
• Prepare program briefs and onboarding materials that set startups up for success from day one

Process and efficiency

• Design and implement operational processes that reduce friction and increase delivery efficiency across the global program team
• Leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks and improve reporting quality
• Manage program databases and track metrics to evaluate performance and drive continuous improvement
• Report across multiple levels and formats — for startups, regional teams, and institutional clients including government stakeholders

• Previous involvement with startup/innovation programs or related entrepreneurial services
• Past experience in a startup is a plus, with a core understanding of the challenges and opportunities of scaling a business
• A growing active network within the global startup and investment community, ready to leverage for program and startup advantage
• Approaches challenge in a proactive, innovative manner, combined with resilience and a deep passion for supporting startups and fostering global innovation
• Confidence in presenting to and engaging with external stakeholders
• An absolute must is the ability to produce detailed and professional reports for our clients.
• Good team player and always willing to help out with additional tasks when required
• Willing to learn skills in cross-cultural communication and collaboration
• Passionate about supporting global startups with expansion, scaling, and fundraising
• Strong communication skills, able to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds, geographics, and cultures
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Process-oriented and AI-native mindset: experience designing and automating workflows that reduce manual work, using CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot, ClickUp) and modern AI/automation platforms to structure data and optimize processes
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Ideal candidates are comfortable with conversational German in a business context
• Able to travel up to 10% of the time (primarily Germany, ~5 to ~10 times annually)
• Bonus: Practical experience in deep-tech, scaling, or fundraising programs

• A dynamic, entrepreneurial team environment with a strong commitment to helping European startups scale globally
• Significant autonomy coupled with a supportive, collaborative culture
• Flat organizational structure, offering ample opportunities for personal impact and growth
• A vast network within the startup ecosystem to support your sales and engagement efforts
• An international work atmosphere with flexible working arrangements, including mobile working

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