Chief Executive Officer

Captivate Technology; Palmerston North; Hybrid; NZD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A deep tech decarbonisation firm in New Zealand is seeking a visionary CEO to lead the operationalisation and commercialisation of its carbon capture technology. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and commercial acumen, along with experience in capital raising and business development. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change while working closely with an inspiring technical founder.

Benefits

ESOP package

Base salary

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior commercial role in a startup or deep tech environment.
• Strong background in capital raising and investment.
• Ability to navigate complex scientific concepts and articulate them commercially.

Responsibilities

• Operationalise and commercialise technology within the company.
• Lead capital raises and demonstrate commercial viability to investors.
• Develop partnerships with large carbon emitters.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Capital raising

Business development

Collaboration

Job description

Overview

Are you a visionary leader with a proven track record in commercialisation, capital raising and partnerships? Do you have the unique ability to translate complex scientific innovation into compelling commercial opportunities and drive a company towards impactful global change?

We are seeking a dynamic, collaborative and entrepreneurial CEO to lead this deep tech decarbonisation company, Captivate Technologies, through its next phase of operationalisation and commercialisation.

About Captivate Technology

Captivate Technology is at the forefront of carbon capture and storage technology, offering a critical solution to achieving net-zero emissions. The carbon capture market is rapidly evolving and expanding, with significant potential for long-term growth. Captivate’s innovative technology, developed by a team of highly regarded technical experts, is poised to make a substantial impact on industrial sectors globally.

The Opportunity

This is more than a leadership role; it's a chance to make a tangible difference in the fight against climate change. We are looking for a hands-on CEO who understands the unique challenges and immense rewards of building a physical product in the deep tech space and who can take forward the innovation built by the founder and team, working closely with them to achieve success. You will be instrumental in defining real-world deployment strategies, identifying commercially viable opportunities, and preparing the company for future capital raises by showcasing clear commercial channels and agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and commercialisation - Operationalise and commercialise Captivate’s technology alongside the team, implementing strategy and focusing on specific markets.
• Capital raising and investor relations - Lead future capital raises, demonstrating commercial viability, successes, and market traction to attract investment.
• Business development and partnership building - Share the company’s story globally. Foster partnerships with large carbon emitters, acting as channel partners in specific markets, while identifying and pursuing near-term revenue opportunities.
• Team collaboration and mentorship - Work with the technical founder, mentor and guide the team, and foster a culture of collaboration and shared vision.
• Share the story globally - Be a key public face of the company, comfortable pitching and representing Captivate at international events, and within investors networks globally.

Your background and experience

We are open to your background - it’s a combination of mindset, experience and team fit that we are looking for.

It may be that you have:

• Startup / deep tech experience with commercial / growth focus - you have been a CEO, COO, CCO or another senior commercial or growth role with a company at a similar stage, and you understand what it takes.
• Capital raising / VC experience with an entrepreneurial spirit - and now you are keen to lead a deep tech company with capital raising - and more.
• Been successful in industry and are now looking to make a difference, in a smaller and nimbler firm. You understand the challenges carbon emitting industries face, and want a role with purpose and to lead a company that can provide a solution.

Who we are looking for

• Lead alongside others - This role is about collaboration, communication and working together - you will be the type who loves to roll up your sleeves and lean on the strengths of everyone in the team. You will be working closely with the Founder who will lead technology development as CTO. There are no egos here - just a team of passionate people all setting out in the same direction.
• A great storyteller with commercial acumen - You can grasp complex scientific concepts and articulate their commercial potential to diverse audiences, from investors to industrial partners. Resilience and pace: You thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment, understanding the need for agility and the ability to navigate uncertainty.
• Collaborative leader - You can work effectively with academic and technical minds, fostering value creation within a small, dedicated team.
• Industry expertise and network - You ideally possess a strong understanding of industrial sectors - it may be cement, power generation, steel, refineries, chemicals, biogas etc. The key is having a valuable network of contacts to open doors quickly. International experience will be highly valued - you may be coming back to NZ after working abroad.
• Financial literacy - You have a solid grasp of commercial economics, discounted cash flows, project economics, and general financial acumen.
• Motivation - Your motivation for this role is the potential for global impact in decarbonisation, as well as financial gain.

Compensation

There is a base salary with an ESOP package to be vested over time.

Location

While Captivate Technology HQ is in Palmerston North, the role could be based in Auckland, due to international access and visitor traffic, or potentially other major New Zealand locations. This role will involve international travel.

If you are ready to lead a deep tech company, working closely with an inspiring technical founder, and are motivated to achieve significant commercial milestones and drive global decarbonisation, we encourage you to apply.

Contact Fleur Clough at Sprout People if you are not quite ready to apply, but would like a confidential discussion.

021915540

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