Founding CTO (AI/ML / Data Product)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Founding CTO (AI/ML / Data Product) based in Portugal. We are looking for an entrepreneurial technology leader ready to turn AI and data expertise into a business of their own. This founding opportunity is designed for experienced engineers who want to move beyond implementing someone else's vision and build an AI-powered B2B venture from the ground up. Over a focused 12-week, fully remote program, you will validate a real market problem, define a product-led minimum viable product (MVP), and develop a working solution with measurable business value. You will shape the technical architecture, data strategy, and deployment approach while establishing a compelling competitive advantage. Supported by experienced mentors, fellow founders, and a global startup network, you will refine your product and prepare an investor-ready technology vision. This is an opportunity to combine technical leadership, product thinking, and founder ambition to launch or join a founding team.

As a founding technology leader, you will drive the technical and product development of an AI-powered B2B venture, balancing feasibility, customer needs, and commercial potential throughout the 12-week program. Identify and validate a B2B problem where AI can deliver measurable value through time savings, cost reduction, or risk mitigation. Define a product-focused MVP that addresses a clear customer need rather than prioritizing model complexity for its own sake. Design the data strategy, including data collection, labeling, evaluation, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Architect and deliver a reliable prototype or MVP, incorporating APIs, data pipelines, appropriate safeguards, and feedback loops. Establish foundational production practices for model deployment, monitoring, reliability, and ongoing performance evaluation. Iterate on the product based on validation results, user feedback, and evolving business requirements. Develop a compelling technical and product narrative for potential investors, explaining the venture's competitive advantage, data strategy, and product roadmap. Collaborate with co-founders, mentors, and other startup participants to refine the business concept and accelerate execution. Dedicate approximately 10–12 hours per week to building, validating, and improving the venture over the 12-week sprint. Requirements: The ideal candidate is an experienced software engineer with strong AI/ML or data product expertise, a product-oriented mindset, and the ambition to take ownership of a new business venture. At least 7 years of experience in software engineering, with substantial exposure to AI/ML or data-driven products. Demonstrated experience deploying software, machine learning models, or data products into production environments. Understanding of MLOps fundamentals, including deployment, monitoring, reliability, and performance evaluation. Ability to design practical AI and data solutions that address real business problems and deliver measurable outcomes. Strong product judgment, with the ability to define MVP scope, prioritize essential functionality, and determine when a solution is ready for validation. Experience or familiarity with APIs, data pipelines, evaluation frameworks, and production-ready system design. An entrepreneurial mindset, with a genuine desire to build a company, take ownership of technical decisions, and participate in the potential upside of a venture. Ability to work independently, make decisions under uncertainty, and move quickly from problem discovery to product execution. Willingness to commit approximately 10–12 hours per week for 12 weeks. Interest in collaborating with co-founders, engaging with mentors, and developing an investor-ready vision for an AI-powered B2B business. Benefits: A structured, 12-week startup sprint to progress from problem discovery to MVP development, validation, and iteration. Fully remote participation with an international community of founders and technology professionals. Weekly accountability sessions and a consistent execution cadence to maintain momentum and focus. Access to a network of more than 500 mentors specializing in B2B businesses, product development, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising. Connections to a global alumni network of more than 440 startups across over 40 countries, offering opportunities for learning, collaboration, and introductions. A practical CTO toolkit for AI ventures, covering product scoping, model evaluation, deployment, and the development of a defensible competitive advantage. The opportunity to become a co-founder or join a founding team and build an AI-powered business with long-term growth potential. A participation fee is required after acceptance to secure commitment to the cohort.