Entrepreneur in Residence

IMPORTANT: To apply for this role, please submit a CV and a 1/2 page cover letter on why you want the job to people@valleydao.bioOverviewValleyDAO is delighted to announce an exciting new paid opportunity to launch and earn ownership of an exciting new sustainable textile project with an established brand identity, trademarked and patent-pending technology and a passionate community of early adopters. As an Entrepreneur in Residence, you will take the reins in bringing the new technology to market and turning HEMPY and HempKnit™ into beloved clothing lines and branded textiles.Key Details Compensation: $3,000–$4,000 per month (contract/consultant role) + founder equity if research successfully spins outTime commitment: 20–30 hours per week (flexible schedule)Location: Central European Time Zones (work will be fully remote but may require occasional travel inside of EU)Language: Professional standard of English, additional languages beneficial but not essential.Key Partners/Collaborators: Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB), BOKU UniversityDuration: 6 months with possibility of permanent extension based on performance.About the ProjectHemp delivers exceptional productivity and sustainability advantages compared to cotton. Hemp produces 2-6 times more fiber per hectare than cotton, with yields ranging from 1,200-2,000 kg per hectare versus cotton's 300-1,100 kg per hectare. Furthermore, hemp's water efficiency represents one of its most compelling competitive advantages. Hemp uses 70-95% less water than cotton, requiring only 300-600 liters per kilogram of fiber compared to cotton's 5,000-20,000 liters. Finally, Hemp demonstrates superior agricultural efficiency through its significantly shorter growing cycle. Hemp matures in just 3-4 months (90-120 days) compared to cotton's 6-7 month growing season (180+ days). This 50% reduction in growing time allows farmers to potentially grow multiple hemp crops per year in suitable climates. Despite these obvious benefits, shadows from Raegan’s ‘War on Drugs’ and the roughness of untreated hemp have, until late, made it difficult to compete with the huge incumbents in the textiles industries.Just under a year ago, ValleyDAO launched the HempKnit project on an experimental crowdfunding platform with the aim to secure enough capital to develop a patentable process for treating hemp fibres and making them softer and more suitable for the consumer textiles industry. The goal was to make hemp more compatible with current fibre-spinning infrastructure so that it could be easily deployed as a more sustainable alternative to cotton. After successfully closing the initial fundraise, all focus has gone towards building a solid foundation for the enzyme-based treatment in the lab to achieve the desired material improvements. Now, with patent applications pending, a standalone brand (HEMPY), limited edition merch drop on the way and trademarks secured, the HempKnit project is ready for the next chapter of its journey with the ultimate goal of disrupting the consumer textiles industry and making HempKnit™ technology a household name. Roles and ResponsibilitiesAs the EiR, your mission is to assess and help shape the market strategy of HempKnit™, work towards securing additional funding to continue to refine the technology and build a strong product portfolio. This is a unique role at the intersection of biotech research and entrepreneurship. This position could lead to a co-founder/CEO opportunity if the technology proves to have strong commercial viability.We are seeking a candidate with executive-level traits who not only understands the technology and business but can also step into a leadership role and take responsibility for turning the platform into a successful startup that later raises venture capital.You will be expected to:Take on the HEMPY brand and seek to turn it into a ‘household name’Conduct market discovery research and validationDevelop a beachhead market strategy for the HempKnit™ technology which considers the existing HEMPY brand identity and tractionIdentify and apply for relevant funding opportunities/entrepreneurial programs to maintain positive cash-flowBuild a strong founding team to take the tech/brand to the next levelDevelop and execute on business strategy that helps strengthen the HempKnit™ technology and product portfolio which includes -IP/R&D Roadmap -Partnerships & Collaborations -Marketing Campaigns -Sales Funnel -Fundraising Strategy -Pitch-decks & Brand Assets -Exploring alternative opportunities (e.g. insulation, high performance materials etc.)Ideal CandidateWe’re looking for a self-motivated and mission-driven individual who will work closely with the ValleyDAO core team and ecosystem partners. The ideal candidate must:Have strong communication skills both written and spokenEfficient in both strategising and executingDemonstrated ability to use initiative and lead complex projects from the ground upHave several years experience, passion and working knowledge of the clothing/apparel industriesHave proven ability to open doors and solid contacts/connections with notable brands/partners/manufacturing companies etc.Have a keen eye for detail and high standards for visual and written mediaBe able to provide one or more case studies of companies/brands/products they helped launchBeneficial but not essential:Crypto experience/interestA strong personal brand/social media presenceCreative flairIdeally has some technical expertise in biotech/materials science/manufacturing methodsPrevious experience in an ‘Ingredients’ textiles company such as GoreTex™ Have a charming personality with proven ability to drive salesAdditional European language skills