Startup Scouting & Ecosystem Operations Specialist

Schedule: 4-day week, 32 hours a week

By Lumikha Teams — Jun 18, 2026

If you like research, structure, and the idea of building a list of options into a polished, qualified pipeline, this is the job for you.

Every innovation program (we call them "challenges") needs a steady stream of good startups applying. This role is the hands-on engine behind that: finding startups, checking that they're actually a good fit, keeping our records clean, and helping ensure outreach turns into real applications.

If you like research, structure, and the idea of building a list of options into a polished, qualified pipeline, this is that job.

• Search for startups across databases, accelerator and incubator programs, venture capital portfolios, universities, and other startup directories
• Build lists of startups that match what each program is seeking
• Keep our startup database accurate, complete, and up to date

• Check each startup against what the program needs — fit, stage of growth, location, technology, relevance — before it moves forward
• Keep the pipeline clean by removing startups that don't actually fit
• Keep our CRM (the system we use to track startups and contacts) accurate and well-organized

• Reach out to founders and follow up with them
• Run outreach campaigns that get startups to apply
• Help improve how many startups follow through and join our programs, not just hear about them

• Track relevant events, communities, associations, and startup hubs
• Spot new places we could be finding startups from

• 2–4 years of experience in startup scouting, business development, venture-related work, accelerator programs, or research roles
• Strong research and analytical skills
• High attention to detail, especially when it comes to keeping CRM data clean and organized
• Comfortable with detailed, repetitive work done at volume — this role involves a lot of structured execution
• Genuine curiosity about startups, innovation, and new technology
• Strong communication skills, especially when reaching out to founders directly

Previous Position Acquisition & Ecosystem Strategy Manager

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