Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Executive Search Director @ The QTI Group | OSHA 10 Certified

Summary: The QTI Group has partnered with a seed‑stage venture capital firm that invests in high‑potential startups in the Upper Midwest. The fund backs early‑stage companies and supports their growth from formation through exit, with $45M currently under management across two core funds.

Our client is sponsoring the formation of a new standalone company (New Co) to commercialize internally developed software from a high‑performing technology‑enabled manufacturer. The software has enabled that company to achieve game‑changing results compared to industry norms by resolving common issues relating to quoting/estimating, job management, and streamlining shop floor operations.

The platform has been proven in a diverse and demanding environment and is now being spun out to serve the broader U.S. manufacturing market. New Co will build its own independent technical team, and may initially receive some transitional support from the original development team to ensure a smooth launch and continued product evolution.

The CEO will lead New Co from inception through scale, with support from the fund and the original product founder. This is a hands‑on role focused on building the business from the ground up, initially serving as the sole team member and subsequently recruiting and building out each functional area.

• Team Build
  :
  Recruit and lead a team across product, engineering, sales, marketing, and customer success to support growth and evolving customer needs.
• Go‑to‑Market Execution
  :
  Develop and execute a commercial strategy, including pricing, sales process, onboarding, and customer success.
• Fundraising
  :
  Lead capital strategy and raise outside investment. Idea Fund will provide initial capital and assist with syndication, but follow‑on rounds will require broader investor participation.
• Product Leadership
  :
  Translate operational experience from the existing platform into a scalable product roadmap for a wide range of customers.
• Company Building
  :
  Establish foundational operational systems, KPIs, and culture to support long‑term growth.

• Entrepreneurial experience in building or leading an early‑stage software business, ideally in SaaS or industrial tech.
• Proven ability to recruit and lead technical and commercial teams.
• Strong understanding of SMB software sales; experience with manufacturing or industrial customers is a plus.
• Highest personal and professional integrity.
• Fundraising experience and comfort engaging with investors.

This is a true co‑founder role. The CEO will receive a significant equity stake in New Co, along with a cash compensation package appropriate for a venture‑backed early‑stage company. The role offers substantial financial upside aligned with execution and company success.

Executive

Full‑time

Management, Product Management, and Strategy/Planning

Business Consulting and Services, Manufacturing