CEO/CTO/CPO (m/f/d) – Entrepreneur in Residence

About The Position

Disclaimer: The application process is handled by our operational partner Bridgemaker.

Maritime Ventures is a venture builder conceived and financed by CDP Venture Capital and is supported by multiple leading industrial, financial and innovation players from Italy and Germany. We aim to launch 10+ new ventures in the maritime sector over the next three years.

To achieve this mission, we are looking for an ambitious and motivated Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) in the role of CEO, CTO or CPO (m/f/d) to take the lead in shaping a new venture in the maritime sector. The goal is to transform innovative business ideas into high-growth companies that drive the digital and sustainable transition of Italy’s maritime small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The ventures are designed to tackle key challenges in the maritime industry by developing scalable B2B and B2B2C Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for port logistics, shipbuilding, cruising, passenger ferries and leisure boating. Examples include platforms that enable streamlined workforce sourcing and training, automate maritime compliance with regulations and ESG standards, simplify freight forwarding operations through centralized communication, and connect SMEs to funding sources through automated documentation and supply chain finance options. Our focus lies in creating impactful, scalable solutions that address real industry pain points, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep industry insights.

As an EiR, you will play a pivotal role in building and scaling a groundbreaking venture. From assembling the founding team to validating the business model and securing early customers, you will drive the venture’s success.

This Role Follows a Two-phase Approach

1. Phase 1 – Consultant for Incubation: You will work as a paid freelance entrepreneur, supporting and shaping incubated ideas during the validation phase – start date as soon as possible.
2. Phase 2 – Venture Leadership: Upon securing funding, you will take on an executive role (e.g., CEO, CTO, CPO) within the new venture.

You will work closely with a diverse team of experts in business, design, engineering, and investment, gaining unparalleled access to the support and resources needed to lead and grow the venture independently. You will be employed directly by the new venture, taking on a key leadership role as the company’s executive.

Requirements

• Fluency in Italian and English
• Strong entrepreneurial drive and a hands-on mindset
• Proven fundraising capabilities
• Ability to attract top-tier talent and build high-performing teams
• Based in Italy or willingness to relocate to Italy
• Experience in scaling early-stage ventures
• Expertise or a network in the maritime sector is a plus

Your tasks

• Develop the venture’s ideas to market readiness
• Win early customers and drive client acquisition
• Raise your Seed Round (up to 50% already committed by partners)
• Build a high-performing founding team
• Scale the venture into a sustainable and impactful business

What You Can Expect

You will have the opportunity to lead an early-stage startup that transforms one of the world’s oldest and most vital industries. Backed by a strong network of industry leaders, including experienced maritime investors, innovation hubs, and venture-building experts across Europe, you will have access to the critical support needed to scale your venture.

This ecosystem consists of prominent industrial, financial, and operational players, along with key regional partners. You will benefit from the support of CDP Venture Capital, Italy’s leading national venture capital infrastructure fund, Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest commercial bank, Fincantieri, Europe’s top shipbuilder, and PSA, the world’s leading port operator, among others.

Additionally, you will gain insights from Bridgemaker, one of Europe’s leading venture builders, and Cariplo Factory, Italy’s foremost innovation hub. Together, they offer a proven track record in transforming bold ideas into high-growth companies, providing you with exceptional resources, expertise, and connections to drive success.

Beyond, we take a founders-first approach, offering an attractive compensation package and founder-like equity.

If you are ready to take on the challenge of creating a new digital and sustainable solution for the maritime sector, we look forward to hearing from you!

About Us

Bridgemaker is a company builder which blends the advantages of corporate resources with an innovative mindset to strengthen the competitiveness of traditional businesses through disruptive company building.

Our Product Portfolio ranges from extensive ideation, where we analyze trends and generate ideas, over validation and prototyping, to the final hands-on company building together with our clients.

Our main objective is to help our partners realize transformational growth with new technologies and business models.