Defense Startup Advisory Lead

If you're eager to shape the future of innovation by working with researchers, building relationships with stakeholders, and creating impact through partnerships, we should talk.

Who we are:

FedTech is a group of entrepreneurially-minded people on a mission to unlock the benefits of technology. We believe in the value of deep tech and its positive impact on the world, aspiring to democratize access to it for entrepreneurs and professionals around the world. We are venture builders who thrive at the intersection of US entrepreneurship, breakthrough technologies, and mission-driven organizations.

Since 2015, we have successfully driven deep tech ventures with individuals, companies, universities, and government agencies to stay at the bleeding edge of innovation.

The Technology Partnerships team at FedTech works at the forefront of technology, innovation, and intellectual property in universities and federal laboratories to harness the power of technology and enable a strong impact on industry and society. The Technology Partnerships team is responsible for a broad range of project deliverables including identifying technologies and companies for FedTech’s venture creation and accelerator programs, providing customized products and services for small businesses, and consulting on technology transfer operations within other select institutions.

What you’ll do:

As a Defense Startup Advisory Lead on the Technology Partnerships team, you’ll be leading early-stage company advisory and consulting projects. This will include managing key stakeholder relationships, technical due diligence, evaluating business plans, and making recommendations for both future R&D, IP, compliance, and communication strategies.

Typical functions include:

Interviewing subject matter experts and technical teams to establish a clear understanding of early-stage companies, their core technology, their value proposition, as well as their current R&D, communication, and fundraising strategies.

Communicate complex technical and scientific topics with polished business communication skills.

Build strong relationships with industry experts, entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders at partner organizations, as well as technical, financial and legal advisors.

Coordinate and collaborate with partner organizations to collect expert input and review competition to establish a holistic view of a company, as well as its technology and market opportunities.

Writing comprehensive technological and market evaluations by synthesizing research conclusions and recommendations.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

Completion of a bachelor's degree, majoring in STEM (Masters or PhD preferred) or business (MBA preferred) is required.

A basic understanding of the non-dilutive funding ecosystem within the US, including SBIR/STTR grants, is required.

5+ years of experience working with companies developing dual-use technologies in a strategic business advisory, a consulting environment, or a research capacity, is required.

Prior experience with US government contracting is a bonus.

Prior experience fundraising in private capital markets is a bonus.

Sound experience managing stakeholder relationships and taking responsibility for client facing deliverables.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead calls, write technical reports, and edit proposals.

Attention to detail and a consistent track record of delivering projects on time.

Desire to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

A relentless bias towards action (writing, building, testing, measuring, iterating).

Independence and drive, requiring little direct supervision while staying hyper-focused on the success of our clients and portfolio companies.

Excitement and ability to thrive in a dynamic and growing company environment.

Our Values:

Boldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort

Unity: We treat our clients, team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team

Introspection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes

Leadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client, team partners and partners first

Decisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation:

Base salary range: $90K - $120K based on education and experience.

Additional upside with bonus, rapid career progression, and the ability to earn equity.

A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, competitive health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, flexible PTO, employer paid disability insurance, and flexible work arrangements

Travel:

Ability and willingness to travel domestically up to 5% of the time.

Location:

Hybrid work arrangement (3 days in person at our headquarters in Arlington, VA and 2 days remote) is preferred.

We are also open to candidates from Boston (MA), Austin (TX) or Los Angeles (CA).

Equal Employment Opportunity:

At FedTech, we are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual no matter their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.