Founding CTO/CPTO
Berlin • Cybersecurity & AI Startup • Recently Secured Significant Funding
We are building a next-generation Identity + AI Enforcement platform in Berlin.
Following newly secured funding, we are looking for a technical co-founder who will architect and build the core product from day one.
We are looking for a visionary Founding CTO/CPTO for a hybrid role based in Berlin. If you are passionate about deep tech, thrive in fast-paced environments, and have experience building transactional platforms, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Responsibilities
Lead customer discovery and validation to refine the value proposition to our three main target groups: Deep Tech founders, investors, and corporate partners.
Co-build the product vision to establish the leading deep technology database of Europe as well as the most effective match-making platform.
Establish the technological foundation of a transactional platform, including the data infrastructure.
Develop and execute the company’s technology strategy and roadmap.
Recruit and lead an in-house, top-tier engineering team.
Manage the company’s data, including storage, analysis, data privacy, and security.
Requirements and Skills
10+ years experience in backend engineering and system architecture.
Proven ability to design and ship complex distributed systems.
Strong understanding of OAuth/OIDC, API keys, tokens, scopes, identity flows.
Knowledge of RBAC/ABAC or fine-grained access models.
Exposure to Zero Trust principles, access control models, or identity governance.
Experience with AI/LLM systems, agent logic, or willingness to learn fast.
Understanding of SaaS integration security, OAuth app marketplaces.
Hands-on coding mentality; can build MVP and early architecture yourself.
Experience integrating with multiple SaaS systems and APIs.
Strong security mindset and understanding of modern attack surfaces.
Ability to move fast, take ownership, and operate independently.
Experience managing small engineering teams in early-stage environments.
Hands-on experience with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform) and cloud deployments.
Low ego, high commitment, and a true founder mentality.
Nice to Have
Experience with AI/LLM systems, multi-agent orchestration, or agent frameworks.
Experience with policy engines (custom enforcement logic).
Experience building event-driven architectures or streaming systems (Kafka, Pub/Sub).
Familiarity with token analysis, secret scanning, or credential hygiene.
Experience with cloud IAM (AWS/GCP/Azure roles, service principals).
Experience with risk scoring, anomaly detection, or behavior-based systems.
Exposure to agent sandboxing, isolated execution, or container micro-VMs.
Previous experience in cybersecurity, identity startups.
Understanding of graph databases, unified identity graphs, or permission maps.
Prior startup or co-founder experience.
Benefits
Elevate Europe's Tech Sovereignty: Help shape the culture and strategy of one of Europe’s leading Deep Tech platforms for this decade and beyond, empowering Europe’s independence from non-European technologies while supporting founders tackling major global challenges.
Unparalleled Network Access: Gain direct access to Tier 1 European Deep Tech startups, scaleups, and top investors, connecting with the forefront of Europe’s Deep Tech ecosystem.
Founder Culture: Operate with autonomy, driving initiatives as a force multiplier for Tier 1 Deep Tech founders, while refining your skills alongside Europe's leading (Deep) Tech experts.
Compensation: Receive an equity package in a validated, high-growth business with seed-stage traction and a profitable business model, incl. a compensation tied to business results.