The Gate is a platform for tech startups in the first stage of their existence. An information and advice platform, physical and digital, they can reach out to for a successful take off.

At The Gate, business developers of Brainport Development and Eindhoven University of Technology offer honest and independent advice. The shared goal is to improve the quantity and quality of new high tech startups in the Brainport Eindhoven region.

Together with partners Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM), Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Summa College and the regional startup ecosystem, the business developers provide information and guidance on workspaces, access to finance, training and coaching to entrepreneurial students, researchers and tech starters in the region. Through The Gate they are ready for take-off.The Gate is physically located in the Alpha Hub on the TU/e Campus, a new vibrant startup hub that also provides flexible and affordable office accommodation for startups.

The Gate is looking for a Business Developer (funding) to be part of the Business Development team of TU/e.

In this role you are the contact person and linking pin for all activities related to acquisition of business funding / venture capital. You support the researchers, students, start-ups and your colleague business developers in finding interesting funding and finance opportunities, developing their research to business ideas, finding partners, building (inter-)national consortia and funding agencies. Furthermore your activities are focused on finding funding opportunities for The Gate itself including organizing and implementing these processes and procedures. You work closely together with the Financial, Legal and HR departments, as well as with project development officers and researchers from the TU/e departments, TU/e Institutes and the TU/e Research Support Network.
Within the Gate you are the expert on acquiring the funding that is necessary for the valorization and incubation process. Your expertise enables you to match interesting business opportunities with innovative ideas. You explore, scout and screen new business ideas on promising funding opportunities and give support in clearly articulating problems, approach, solutions and impact in business contracts. You know how to use persuasive writing and pitching to maximize funding chances for the start-ups that you support. 

You are business oriented and have a background in a particular technical field.  You understand the academic  research environment and/or the (high tech) industry business world. In addition, practical knowledge about developments in a certain sector or field. Your extensive, strong and warm network and knowledge of the National and European subsidy landscape enables you to find and attract funding and subsidies.

With your proactive, practical and entrepreneurial attitude and your drive to achieve results, you contribute to the success and growth of The Gate.

Furthermore we expect the following qualifications:

• Master degree preferably in a technical discipline or at least a proven and above average interest/ affinity with a certain technical field.
• 10-15 years relevant working experience : in funding opportunities (grants, subsidy, contract research, third flow of funds, third tier funding), project development, setting up businesses  (startups, spinoffs, incubators etc.)
• Familiar with the (academic) world of innovation, knowledge valorization and technology transfer.
• Strong in stakeholder management.
• Excellent proficiency in the Dutch and English language, orally as well as in writing.
• You are flexible and can work under deadline pressure.
• As a person you are goal-oriented, proactive, organized, hands-on, reliable and considered a recognized sparring partner. Also, you have a feel for organizational sensitivity.

• Working on an inspiring campus with plenty of room for personal development and growth.
• We offer a one-year contract (1.0 fte), possibly an appointment via Euflex (the secondment organization of the TU/e). After a mutual positive evaluation this appointment will be extended or converted into a permanent contract.
• The full-time gross salary is in accordance with the CAO-NU and depends on knowledge and experience; minimum € 3.807,- and maximum € 5.922,- (in accordance with scale 11-12).
• The year-end bonus is 8.3% of the annual salary (equivalent to one month's salary). The vacation allowance is 8% of the annual salary. The TU/e also offers excellent secondary employment conditions (including childcare, a minimum of 41 leave days for a 40-hour work week and excellent sports facilities).