Head of Studio and Venture Creation

Roadrunner Venture Studios is the nation’s leading platform for founding breakthrough ventures in deep technology. Our mission is to turn frontier tech into breakthrough companies for the benefit of the American people. Together with engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, we build products, create business models, recruit teams, align companies with their first customers, and provide initial funding. Our Venture Studios focuses on energy, clean tech, advanced manufacturing, and next generation computer.

The Opportunity:

This is a rare opportunity to join a $65 million venture studio platform at a moment of lift-off. As the Head of Studio and Venture Creation, you will oversee the flagship studio in New Mexico and direct the creation and acceleration of frontier technology startups toward product, customer, and next round of investment. In this role, you will build our company-creation platform, attract world-class founders, drive idea-generation for new startup ideas, and hone the repeatable studio model, product development and customer adoption. You will have a critical role in deciding how we deploy our capital and ownership in the transformative companies we create. Your mission: Build an extraordinary company-creation platform and attract world-class founders to launch the next generation of industry-defining companies in America and our partners across the world.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Generate ideas for new companies in energy, advanced manufacturing, and microelectronics through gap analysis and core-beliefs on market opportunities for new technologies
• Drive the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies by identifying target markets, securing first customers, and achieving product-market fit.
• Develop go-to-market strategies and revenue-generation plans for new ventures.
• Forge strategic partnerships with industry players, research institutions, and potential customers to accelerate market entry.
• Position portfolio companies for successful Seed and Series A fundraising by facilitating investor readiness and capital introductions.

• Set and execute the strategic vision for Roadrunner Studio, ensuring alignment with commercialization goals, venture creation targets, and Roadrunner Fund investing.
• Lead the creation of 3-4 new companies annually, focusing on validating high-potential opportunities and achieving early traction.
• Build and manage a high-performing team of product managers, analysts, and Founders-in-residence (FIRs), fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Represent the studio as a leader in the deep-tech ecosystem, building relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
• Serve as interim leadership for portfolio companies during critical stages of development, guiding strategic and operational priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to founders, providing mentorship and support to drive successful commercialization outcomes.

• Partner with universities, national labs, and technology transfer offices to identify and source high-potential founders and disruptive technologies.
• Assess the commercial potential of technologies through rigorous due diligence, focusing on market demand and competitive advantages.
• Build a robust network of researchers, inventors, and industry experts to source and evaluate opportunities.
• Conduct in-depth market research to uncover unmet needs and emerging trends, shaping high-conviction theses for venture creation.
• Analyze competitive landscapes to inform strategic decision-making and ensure venture success.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in venture capital, commercialization, or growth-focused leadership roles within deep-tech or the startup ecosystem.
• Proven track record of building, investing in, and scaling successful deep-tech startups, with expertise in achieving product-market fit and securing first customers.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow teams, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and calculated risk-taking.
• Willingness to relocate to or spend significant time in New Mexico.

Roadrunner Venture Studios is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.