Co-founding CEO - Oncology start-up (remote from NL)

Co-Founding CEO (Oncology Biotech)

Location: Netherlands (Required)
Work Mode: Remote from the Netherlands with occasional travelling required
Time Commitment: Part-time (approx 50%)
Company Stage: Pre-incorporation, Preclinical
Sector: Oncology Biotech | Cancer Stem Cell Targeting | Drug Development
Compensation: Equity only during pre seed phase; salary post financing

About the venture

Emerging biotech venture developing a first-in-class therapeutic platform aimed at eradicating cancer stem cells (CSCs) which is a persistent source of relapse and metastasis in many cancers. The lead candidate is a novel protein drug conjugate (PDC), an advanced type of Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC)-like that uses a mimic of a natural ligand (R-spondin) to selectively bind to cancer stem cell receptors such as LGR4/5/6, overcoming the limitations of conventional antibody targeting.

The science is based on:

• Selective targeting of cancer stem cells, which are not addressed by standard therapies.
  
  
• Platform potential to adapt the targeting mechanism across multiple indications by coupling with different payloads and ligands.
  
  
• Promising preclinical data, with efficacy demonstrated in ovarian, gastric, and colorectal cancer models, and early toxicology data available.
  
  
• Scalable manufacturing feasibility, with early CMC insights and identified production partners.
  
  

This is a rare opportunity to lead a startup positioned to address a profound unmet need in oncology through scientifically validated innovation.

Purpose of the job

As CEO, you will lead a highly promising early-stage biotech and lead it from scientific concept to clinical-stage company. Your mission is to:

• Build and scale the organization.
  
  
• Secure dilutive venture funding.
  
  
• Drive the transition from academic innovation to a clinical IND-ready package.
  
  
• Strategically position the company for partnership or exit.
  
  

This role requires vision, operational leadership, and deep appreciation of biotech venture-building. You’ll work closely with NLC (founding party) and the CSO (already appointed), who covers scientific leadership, allowing the CEO to focus on business execution and company growth.

Key Responsibilities

Company Building & Operations

• Finalize and execute the company’s strategic plan. Set up core operations locally.
  
  
• Set up core operations locally.
  
  
• Oversee project management and development of the foundational team.
  
  

Fundraising & External Relations

• Own and lead fundraising strategy, including securing seed/Series A investment and non-dilutive capital.
  
  
• Build relationships with investors, Pharma and biotech partners, and institutions.
  
  
• Represent the venture at partnering meetings, investor events, and industry conferences.
  
  

Product & Pipeline Strategy

• Collaborate with the CSO to translate and execute the scientific vision into an actionable development roadmap.
  
  
• Drive pre-IND planning and regulatory strategy.
  
  
• Support progression toward IND-enabling studies and clinical entry.

4. Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications

• Location: Willing and able to be based in the Netherlands full-time.
  
  
• Experience in early-stage biotech, ideally as a founder, CEO, COO, or senior executive.
  
  
• Track record in fundraising, including venture capital and/or non-dilutive funding.
  
  
• Understanding of oncology drug development, with ability to grasp ADC/PDC modalities and cancer stem cell biology.
  
  
• Experience transitioning therapeutics from academia to clinic, including pre-IND/IND activities.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in oncology, immunology, or biologics.
  
  
• Experience preparing companies for strategic exit or biopharma partnerships.
  
  
• Network within biotech, VCs and pharma ecosystems.
  
  
• Strong operational instincts and early biotech company-building experience.
  
  
• Familiarity with CMC, tech transfer, and scalable biologics production.
  
  

Why join this start-up?

This is a defining role at the helm of a scientifically differentiated biotech startup with a clear therapeutic rationale and significant platform potential. Backed by a committed venture fund and led by a strong scientific team, it offers the right CEO an opportunity to lead a high-impact company at a critical inflection point.

About NLC Health Ventures

This start-up is being built in collaboration with NLC Health Ventures, Europe’s leading healthtech venture builder. With over 100 ventures created to date, NLC identifies breakthrough innovations, builds expert teams around them, and supports each venture from lab to market. Through hands-on operational guidance, fundraising support, and access to dedicated capital, NLC helps founders turn scientific breakthroughs into investable, scalable companies.