Startup Engagement Manager (m/w/d) Düsseldorf oder München

Start2 Group GmbH; München; Híbrido; EUR 60.000 - 90.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Start2 Group GmbH is seeking a Startup Engagement Manager to own the end-to-end process of identifying, activating, qualifying, and converting high-potential German startups for scaling programs. You will blend strategic advisory thinking with commercial responsibility, guiding founders from first contact to a high-quality application within German Accelerator & Start2 Group.

You will work on both inbound and outbound efforts, leveraging an existing network and CRM capabilities to build a

Formación

• 2–6 years of experience in startup ecosystem, business development, accelerator, VC, or growth roles.
• Proven experience in relationship-based sales and closing.
• Strong understanding of startup scaling dynamics.
• Confident in independent stakeholder conversations (incl. C-level founders).
• Experience working with CRM systems (HubSpot).
• Existing network within the German startup ecosystem is a strong plus.
• High level of ownership and entrepreneurial mindset.
• English language skills are required; German is a bonus.

Responsabilidades

• Own the startup engagement funnel from first contact to application.
• Conduct strategic qualification calls and assess international readiness.
• Advise founders on program fit and global scaling pathways.
• Close high-potential startups into the right programs.
• Collaborate closely with scouting and program teams.
• Continuously refine engagement strategy and qualification logic.
• Represent German Accelerator in relevant ecosystem environments.

Conocimientos

HubSpot CRM

Relationship selling

Startup ecosystem

Prospecting

Negotiation

English

German (bonus)

Herramientas

HubSpot

Descripción del empleo

Your mission

As Startup Engagement Manager, you take end-to-end ownership of identifying, activating, qualifying, and converting high-potential German startups for our international scaling programs.
You combine strategic advisory thinking with commercial responsibility: from first conversation to high-quality application, you guide founders through the evaluation process and act as their first trusted partner within German Accelerator & Start2 Group.
This role includes both inbound and outbound elements. You will work with scout-qualified leads as well as proactively activate relevant startups within the ecosystem. The focus is on building a high-quality, strategically aligned pipeline.
You are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, shaping your engagement approach and taking responsibility for conversion outcomes.
Your responsibilities

• Own the startup engagement funnel from first contact to application
• Conduct strategic qualification calls and assess international readiness
• Advise founders on program fit and global scaling pathways
• Close high-potential startups into the right programs
• Collaborate closely with scouting and program teams
• Continuously refine engagement strategy and qualification logic
• Represent German Accelerator in relevant ecosystem environments

Your profile

• 2–6 years of experience in startup ecosystem, business development, accelerator, VC, or growth roles
• Proven experience in relationship-based sales and closing
• Strong understanding of startup scaling dynamics
• Confident in independent stakeholder conversations (incl. C-level founders)
• Experience working with CRM systems (ideally HubSpot)
• Existing network within the German startup ecosystem is a strong plus
• High level of ownership and entrepreneurial mindset
• English language skills are required; German is a Bonus

You are not:

• A pure outbound sales profile focused on call volume
• A purely strategic consultant without commercial responsibility

You are:

• Commercially sharp, yet founder-oriented
• Structured, analytical, and outcome-driven
• Comfortable operating autonomously
• Motivated by impact, not activity metrics

Why us?

This role offers real ownership and visibility within the German startup ecosystem.
You will:

• Take responsibility for a strategically relevant part of our scaling funnel
• Work directly with ambitious German founders and international program teams
• Help shape how startups expand into the US, Asia, and other global markets
• Operate at the intersection of sales, strategy, and ecosystem building
• Contribute to strengthening Europe’s international startup footprint

We offer a high degree of autonomy, meaningful responsibility from day one, and a collaborative environment that values substance over hierarchy.

Flexible working arrangements, a strong international network, and a mission-driven team culture are part of our everyday work.