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Founder-in-Residence

Ready to work on a big idea with the support and backing of Madrona Venture Labs?

We are looking for experienced operators with deep domain expertise, passion for the problem area, and incredible ambition and resilience. We help founders validate and accelerate their startup concepts; in parallel, we also match entrepreneurs with our business ideas, themes, and market trends we’re interested in exploring. 
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Regardless of where the idea originates, we strive to support businesses that have the potential to be industry-changing, $1B+ opportunities. With the guidance of our 100% operator-led team, you drive market research, develop a thesis and narrow in on a fundable, big idea. You then fundraise and build your own team.  
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We only commit resources and capital to the most promising ideas, which means we work with select-few founders annually. Dedicating ourselves to fewer projects means you benefit from our full, focused efforts. If you choose to work with MVL, we will partner with you every step of the way to scale your company, serving as a trusted group of confidantes, connectors, and doers. A resourceful team with operational excellence, we hustle and guide new founders while demystifying the startup experience.
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We collaborate with founders from all different backgrounds and skill sets. That said, these are some of the attributes that are important to us when evaluating Founders-in-Residence.

• Deep domain expertise in a thematic area of focus for MVL. Examples include machine learning, the future of work, artificial intelligence, commerce, travel, marketing, and fintech.
  
• A growth mindset and bias for action. Steadfast perseverance and solution-oriented thinking when faced with challenges.
  
• A test-and-learn mindset as the idea continues to evolve. Intense intellectual curiosity.
  
• Strategic decision-making capabilities. Able to focus on the big opportunity and prioritize the essentials to achieve success.
  
• Strong communication skills. Brings a proven ability to communicate the technical vision to team members and inspire creative, thoughtful, and energetic contributions from others.
  

Don’t meet every requirement listed above? If you’re excited about this role and our mission to support founders from day one, but your experience doesn’t align with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles within the MVL portfolio.

Do you have questions or just want to chat about the opportunity? Send us an email and we'll get in touch. Note: we do not have cyclic deadlines or cohorts; we welcome your application whenever you’re ready to take the first step in your entrepreneurial journey.