Founders Associate - Strategy, Product & Finance in AI/ML

As the Founders Associate – Strategy, Product & Finance in AI/ML , you'll work with the founders to shape Code17’s next major leap: transitioning getML into a scalable SaaS offering. This role combines strategic product thinking with involvement in the finance ecosystem - helping us explore, design, and lead either an organic growth path or a VC-backed trajectory. You’ll play a critical role in shaping how Code17 grows, develops partnerships, and builds the future of machine learning services for relational data - the digital backbone of any major company. This role includes a clear path to significant equity and future C-level responsibility. Who we are: As a lean, bootstrapped team of 12, Code17 GmbH brings together senior software architects and pioneering ML researchers to partner with leading enterprises – Arvato, PwC, and AOK – on their toughest software engineering and AI challenges. Our USP: At Code17, we build getML, a problem agnostic ML library for predictive analytics on relational business data. Our software combines proprietary and open-source components to deliver state-of-the-art automation for feature engineering. It cuts project timelines from months to days - while increasing accuracy and model interpretability. – Read more at . Position Details: Anticipated Start Date: Q2/2025 Location: On-site or remote during the first six months (based in the EU, with Leipzig comfortably reachable by train). Long-term, this is a leadership role based in Leipzig. Tasks This is a founder-track role with real influence. You’ll take ownership of our SaaS strategy and help define the future of our service: Drive SaaS Product & Market Fit: Define the getML SaaS product roadmap with engineering, translate market needs into specifications, and secure early product-market fit. Shape IP & Open-Source Strategy: Develop and execute our IP and open-source strategy for getML, balancing commercial and community goals. Lead SaaS Growth & Financial Modeling: Analyze growth paths (organic, VC), develop supporting business/financial models, and lead execution. Build Strategic Partnerships: Identify and secure partnerships (tech, financial) to accelerate product adoption and revenue. Manage Financial Planning & Fundraising: Oversee SaaS financial metrics and modeling. If VC is chosen, co-lead fundraising: investor relations, pitching, and closing deals. Requirements At Code17, we value passion, creativity, and the willingness to grow. Key qualifications for this role include: 0–5 years in tech consulting, VC, SaaS product management, or as a startup founder. Good understanding of ML concepts and their business applications. Experience shaping product vision, roadmaps, and achieving market fit (SaaS preferred). Solid financial skills: modeling, SaaS metrics (ARR, LTV, CAC), and VC fundamentals. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Clear communication skills for diverse audiences. Proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and an entrepreneurial spirit. Fluent German and English. Benefits We work hard, but we also believe it should be fun and help you excel personally and professionally: Latest hardware, including your choice of Apple or Framework notebooks, height-adjustable desk, and a 40" curved screen Subsidized lunches, a job ticket for commuting, and a fitness membership (Urban Sports Club or EGYM Wellpass) Monthly team weeks and retreats for strategic planning, trend discussions, and social activities Open culture that values honest feedback and new ideas Free drinks, from coffee to after-hours beer in our office Flexible working hours and a hybrid arrangement in Leipzig Option to work remotely from most parts of the world for a defined period As problem-solvers, we value out-of-the-box thinking—show us why you’re the right fit. Present your skills and abilities in any way; the key is to make a lasting impression. Next Steps: Initial contact within one week Interview with our team Case study Personal meeting in Leipzig Onboarding Our Socials Instagram –