Head of Business Development

Join the POPCORN project! Seeking a Head of BizDev (10+ yrs) to launch our EIC‑funded semiconductor test startup. Lead fundraising & GTM strategy to bridge research to market. Immediate impact!

Job description

The POPCORN project aims to revolutionize semiconductor testing by developing a cutting‑edge Device‑Aware Testing (DAT) platform for emerging memories such as STT‑MRAMs and RRAMs. By integrating physical defect modeling directly into the test flow, POPCORN enhances outgoing chip quality and reliability while optimizing overall test costs. The platform enables faster and more accurate diagnosis and yield learning, reduces in‑field failures in various critical applications, and strengthens Europe’s position in the global semiconductor industry through scalable, industry‑ready solutions.

Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition program, POPCORN is designed to bridge the “valley of death” between laboratory‑validated research and a market‑ready industrial solution. Over the course of the project, we will advance from a TRL 4 proof‑of‑concept to a fully functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP): a high‑performance, automated Computer‑Aided Test (CAT) suite which can be seamlessly integrated into standard EDA flows. Beyond software development, a key project outcome is the establishment of the startup’s core team: a high‑caliber, entrepreneurial group where domain experts collaborate with business‑oriented professionals to create an investment‑ready commercial venture.

Current open positions

We are expanding the POPCORN team and are seeking a visionary Head of Business Development (10+ years of experience) who will build the company’s business foundation, drive customer discovery, and ensure funding continuity.

Role and responsibilities

• Develop and refine the go‑to‑market strategy for the company’s MVP and early product offerings.
• Foster a startup culture of innovation, agility, and operational excellence.
• Lead venture fundraising, investor relations, and M&A initiatives, positioning the company for its next funding round within 2–3 years.
• Define and execute the growth strategy and business roadmap, ensuring alignment with technical milestones.
• Build customer‑focused processes to achieve and maintain strong product–market fit.
• Help drive customer and partner engagement with semiconductor companies, EDA vendors, IP providers, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to guide strategic business decisions.

Job requirements Background

• MBA or a technical degree (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering) with substantial business experience in semiconductors, EDA, or deep‑tech industries.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in business development, product management, or corporate strategy within deep‑tech environments.
• Proven track record of co‑founding or scaling startups, ideally as part of a founding or leadership team that achieved successful growth or exit.
• Demonstrated success in venture fundraising, strategic partnerships, and M&A activities.
• Experience building customer‑centric operations and managing global business relationships.

Technical skills

• Ability to bridge technical and commercial domains, understanding product constraints and customer requirements.
• Skilled in market analysis, competitive intelligence, and business strategy execution.
• Experience in negotiating commercial agreements, building strategic partnerships, and managing investor relations.

Soft skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset, proactive, and comfortable with uncertainty.
• Strong networking and relationship‑building skills. A strong network in the semiconductor and EDA ecosystem is a plus.
• Strategic thinker who can translate market insights into actionable plans.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years (temporary)
• A job of 24 hours per week.
• A salary based on Scale 14 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €6835 - €8673 gross per month based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

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