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Find a scientific co-founder for a research-based startup

Research-based startups are often born from a meeting between a scientist who masters a technology and a business profile who sees the market. Looking for a scientific co-founder, or for the partner a researcher is missing, is the starting point of many projects in health, materials, energy, electronics or advanced software.

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In short

To find a scientific co-founder, describe the technology or research result at the heart of the project and the state of its intellectual property, publish your project for free on EasyCofounder stating the expected role (scientific lead, development, advisory), then clarify early with the originating institution the terms of technology transfer and the researcher’s involvement.

The framework is specific. Results often belong to a lab or institution, and they are commercialised through technology transfer offices, such as the SATTs in France. Public-sector researchers can usually take part in a company under conditions set by law, which vary by country and must be checked with their employer.

On EasyCofounder, describe the technology, its maturity and the role you are looking for, then talk to PhDs, research engineers and business profiles interested in deeptech. The AI matching highlights the skills most complementary to yours.

In the UK and Ireland, most universities have a technology transfer office or commercialisation company that manages spin-outs, licences and the involvement of researchers in companies. Each institution has its own policies on equity, revenue sharing and time commitment, so a researcher and a business co-founder should meet that team together early on.

Funding for science-based startups often mixes grants, specialist investors and partnerships with industry. A scientific co-founder who has already written grant applications or worked with an industrial partner brings skills that are just as important as their research record.

What a scientific co-founder brings

  • Clarify intellectual property

    Patents, know-how and software developed in a lab are covered by agreements with the institution, and a licence or assignment negotiated early reassures investors later on.

  • Several forms of commitment

    A researcher can join the startup full time, give it part of their time or act as a scientific advisor, and each option has its own rules to get approved.

  • A long development time

    Moving from a lab result to a product often takes several years, public funding and industrial partners, a horizon the co-founders need to share clearly.

  • Meet the transfer office together

    A joint meeting between the researcher, the business co-founder and the technology transfer office avoids misunderstandings about licences, equity and the researcher’s role.

  • Grants and industry partners

    Experience writing grant applications or working with industrial partners is a real asset for a scientific co-founder, as these sources often fund the first years.

  • Translate science for buyers

    Investors and customers need to understand the benefit, not the method. A scientific co-founder who can explain results simply helps every conversation.

Find your co-founder in 4 steps

  1. 1

    Create your free profile

    Describe your skills, your availability and what you bring to a founding team.

  2. 2

    Publish your project

    Say which role you are looking for (CTO, CEO, CMO…), the commitment expected and the equity on offer.

  3. 3

    Let the matching work

    Filter talent by skill and location, or get suggestions of compatible profiles from the AI matching.

  4. 4

    Talk, then meet

    Chat through the built-in messaging, test your collaboration on a first project and put your agreement in writing in a shareholders’ agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Can a public-sector researcher start or join a startup?

In many countries, yes. In France, for example, the law allows public researchers to create a company, provide scientific support to it or hold a stake, under conditions and with their institution’s approval. Check the rules that apply to you before any commitment.

What role should a scientific co-founder have?

Depending on their commitment, they can lead research and development full time, supervise the technical team or advise from time to time. Title, equity and time commitment should be written clearly in the shareholders’ agreement.

I am a researcher, how do I find a business co-founder?

Publish your project for free on EasyCofounder explaining the technology in simple terms, the applications you see and the profile you need, then meet candidates with the support of your technology transfer office or incubator.

Do I need a patent before looking for a co-founder?

Not necessarily, but you need to know who owns the results and avoid any disclosure that would compromise future protection, which is why a confidentiality agreement is useful before going into detail with a candidate.

How do UK and Irish universities handle spin-outs?

Each university has its own technology transfer team and policy on equity, licences and staff involvement. Ask for the policy early and get independent legal advice before signing.

Can a PhD student co-found a startup during their studies?

Often yes, but check the rules on intellectual property and any funding conditions with the university and your supervisor before starting, as they vary between institutions.

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