Venture Chief Technology Officer (Co-Founder)

Job description

ABOUT QAI VENTURES QAI Ventures is a venture builder specializing in Quantum AI with offices in Switzerland, Canada, and Singapore. Together with co-founders, we identify, structure, and build companies at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, from the initial hypothesis to an investment-ready business. Our approach combines scientific depth with entrepreneurial execution. QAI brings initial validation, customer access, IP structuring, program funding, and an extensive network of corporate partners, investors, and deep-tech experts to the table. Co-founders join as true founding partners—not as employees working on a finished product and build the company together with us from a validated starting point. In Singapore, QAI Ventures is part of an active ecosystem of corporate partners, quantum hardware providers, and Tier-1 financial institutions. Our venture-building programs are structured into clearly defined phases with milestones, stage gates, and mutually agreed-upon equity structures. ** ABOUT Q-FRAUD** Q-Fraud is a startup initiated by QAI Ventures in the field of quantum-inspired fraud detection for banks and payment processors. The company addresses a structural problem in the existing fraud detection infrastructure that has been independently validated by several Tier-1 market participants. The regulatory context is intensifying the pressure to act: New liability regimes in the UK, Singapore, Australia, and the EU are increasingly holding financial institutions directly financially liable for fraud incidents—thereby creating budgets and mandates to fundamentally redesign anti-fraud infrastructure. Q-Fraud is in the early stages of the QAI Venture Building Program. The founding team is currently being assembled. Those who join now will help shape the company from the very beginning. Tasks ROLE OVERVIEW As CTO of Q-Fraud, you are the technical co-founder and designated technical leader of the company. You will build the technological foundation of Q-Fraud and lead it long-term. This is not a project position or a temporary expert role: you will be the first and permanently responsible CTO of an independent company. In Phase 1, you will work closely with the CEO and QAI Ventures to validate the technical hypothesis, define the architecture, and implement the first PoC with a real-world partner. Starting in Phase 2, you will lead the technical team, be responsible for product technology, and shape the company’s strategy together with the CEO. The role requires that you can work in depth on algorithms, system architecture, and scientific validation while also embracing the breadth of a leadership role: team building, investor communication, and strategic technology decisions. You are a scientist and an entrepreneur. Requirements IDEAL PROFILE You have a strong scientific background in quantum physics, applied mathematics, or a related field, and you have already applied this knowledge in an application-oriented context. Labs and theories alone are not enough; you must know what it means to build a system that works in practice. You’re not looking for your next job. You want to build something that’s your own. You’re ready to stand behind an idea that isn’t yet finished and bring it to fruition together with a team. Startup experience, as a founder or early employee, is a strong plus; entrepreneurial drive is a must. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES ▌ 1. Technical Leadership & Architecture Overall responsibility for the technical strategy, system architecture, and technological direction of Q-Fraud Defining and implementing the technical roadmap from initial validation to a scalable product Architectural decisions with a high degree of autonomy: technology stack, hardware dependencies, scaling logic Ensuring technical feasibility at every stage: What can be validated, what can be built, what can be scaled, and in what order Long-term development and leadership of the technical team as the company’s designated Chief Technology Officer ▌ 2. Scientific Validation & IP Technical problem definition and hypothesis structuring: What exactly does Q-Fraud solve, on what scientific foundation, and with what measurable differentiation Evaluation and development of the technological unique selling proposition: quantum-inspired approaches, algorithmic differentiation, patentability IP strategy in collaboration with external partners: patentability, freedom to operate, long-term protection of the technological core Assessment of Technology Readiness Levels and derivation of realistic development paths Demonstrating scientific robustness to customers, investors, and hardware partners ▌ 3. Prototyping, MVP & PoC Implementation Co-design and implementation of the first technical prototype and PoC system—hands-on, not delegated Setup and management of test environments and sandbox systems for collaboration with partners Technical coordination with PoC partners: data access, system integration, and results analysis Translating PoC insights into product architecture and scaling decisions Responsibility for investment and PoC readiness from a technical perspective ▌ 4. Investors & External Communication Explaining complex technological issues to non-technical investors, partners, and customers in an understandable way without losing substance Responsibility for the technical aspects of pitch decks, data rooms, and due diligence processes Building credibility with scientific and technological partners in the APAC region Collaborating with QAI network partners (quantum hardware, universities, research institutes) where relevant to the venture REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS Education Phd or Master’s degree in quantum physics, physics, computer science, quantum engineering, or a related field. Quantum physics must have been a central component of the education. Professional Experience Several years of experience as an engineer, architect, or technical leader in an applied deep tech, AI, or quantum computing environment Proven experience in building and operating systems in a practical setting: PoCs, MVPs, or near-production prototypes, not just research projects Experience in a startup, scale-up, or venture environment is a strong plus; entrepreneurial drive is a must Core technical competencies In-depth understanding of quantum-inspired or quantum-based algorithms and their practical applicability (e.g., QUBO formulations, VQC, QSVM, or comparable approaches) Practical experience in applied machine learning, statistical modeling, or quantitative optimization; you have built and deployed models, not just designed them Ability to realistically assess technical feasibility: What is possible today, what will be possible in 12 months, and what is still in the research phase Experience in system architecture and the design of scalable technical solutions Understanding of IP strategies, patent logic, and freedom-to-operate analyses Entrepreneurial & Personal Qualifications You want to build a company and lead it technically in the long term, not just fill a project role Strong analytical mindset combined with a pragmatic focus on implementation: Theory alone is not enough Ability to balance scientific depth with entrepreneurial reality Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical counterparts Financial independence for at least 12 months without a salary from the venture—a strict requirement Willingness to make a personal financial commitment to the venture Fluency in English; residence in or willingness to relocate to Singapore on an ad hoc basis Benefits WHAT QAI VENTURES BRINGS TO THE TABLE In-house team with expertise in electronic payments, venture building, quantum physics, and communications—active from day one Direct access to Tier-1 card networks, processors, issuers, and major banks already integrated into the process Bridge financing for Phase 1; infrastructure for legal, HR, and governance; IP strategy; fundraising architecture In-house QAI team support throughout the entire program (we actively participate!) Practical support with capital raising and access to global investors for post-Phase 2 financing Location & Presence Founded in Singapore. A hybrid working model is possible; during the venture-building phase, we work in sprint mode, and a physical presence in Singapore is required during this time. Between sprints, remote work is possible. APPLICATION Q-Fraud is seeking co-founders with conviction, deep domain expertise, and the drive to build something meaningful together with QAI Ventures. If you meet the profile described here and are ready for a multi-year startup commitment, please contact QAI Ventures Singapore directly.