Venture Building Expert

Overview of the Role: Venture Building Expert at Aramco

Aramco holds a unique position in the global energy and chemicals industry, known for being one of the largest producers of hydrocarbon energy with a commitment to maximizing value and enhancing societal benefits. Headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aramco leverages its nine decades of experience to responsibly steward vast hydrocarbon resources, contributing significantly to global economies.

We are actively seeking an expat Venture Building Expert to join our Technology Commercialization Division (TCD). TCD's core mission is to realize maximum value from Aramco technologies through both internal and external Intellectual Property (IP) commercialization, directly supporting the company’s business and sustainability goals.

In this pivotal role, you will collaborate closely with technical teams to define and validate propositions aimed at establishing new startups. These ventures are designed to deliver long-term value to Aramco and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This position is crucial within a team of world-class leaders, technology visionaries, and innovators, taking a lead in transforming Aramco's intellectual assets and technologies into thriving new companies. We are looking for an exceptional talent with a strong entrepreneurial drive and a deep passion for the startup ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities of a Venture Building Expert

• Lead the comprehensive process of launching new startups, from initial ideation through to market entry, ensuring strict alignment with Aramco's corporate strategy.
• Identify novel opportunities for startup creation by conducting in-depth analysis of Aramco’s extensive IP and technology portfolio.
• Drive commercial viability assessments, including the meticulous development of comprehensive business plans and robust financial models.
• Assess and validate the product-market fit, develop and rigorously test hypotheses, quantify the business value, and craft innovative business models.
• Manage diverse cross-functional teams, encompassing scientists, engineers, investors, and industry experts, to actively drive the formation of new startups.
• Perform thorough due diligence to mitigate business and transaction risks, and facilitate the efficient execution of commercial agreements.
• Develop compelling pitch decks, lead engagements with potential partners, and provide essential mentorship in venture development and entrepreneurship to Research & Development organizations.
• Monitor and critically analyze the performance of established startups to enable data-driven decisions that support their expansion and growth.

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in a Science or Engineering discipline is required; an advanced degree (e.g., MBA) is highly preferred.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in technology startups, with a primary role focused on technology creation and the successful delivery of startups, spin-outs, or intra/entrepreneurial ventures.
• Demonstrated expertise in startup methodologies, the complete startup development process, and various financing options.
• A proven track record in successfully discovering, validating, and scaling new startups within a deep tech environment.
• Extensive experience in business development and commercial partnership management.
• Hands-on product development experience, covering the entire lifecycle from concept generation to the delivery of new products and services.
• Proficiency in the development of value propositions, including sophisticated business and financial models.
• Agreement negotiation experience, preferably involving technology licenses, joint ventures, or joint technology development agreements.
• Experience in supporting the development and growth of early-stage technology companies.
• Prior experience working in incubators, accelerators, venture builders, or corporate startup studios is advantageous.
• Experience providing coaching and mentorship to key personnel managing startups (e.g., CEOs, etc.).
• Must be willing to relocate to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on a full-time, permanent basis.

Key skills/competency

• Venture Building
• Startup Methodologies
• IP Commercialization
• Business Development
• Financial Modeling
• Due Diligence
• Product-Market Fit
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Commercial Agreements
• Mentorship