Founders Associate

About Us

Manukai stands for Manu_facturing and Kai_zen, a Japanese methodology of continuous improvement that translates to “change for better.” In ancient Greek, Kai_ros means “the opportune moment.”

We are a spin-off from ETH Zürich, aiming to bridge the gap between metal part design and machining. Our AI-powered technology empowers manufacturers to prioritize their clients’ needs and deliver high-quality products to the market. Our primary focus is making an immediate impact, with client satisfaction as our utmost priority.

The Role

This generalist role provides deep insights into fundraising, strategy, and operations of an early-stage industrial tech startup. You will be working directly with the founders, where you will manage tasks across market validation, investor data-room, OKRs, agile product development, and go-to-market execution. You will support the founders in their daily work to help Manukai scale faster. Your work will enable the founding team to focus on product, customers, and the team. While doing so, you will be encouraged to experiment with the latest enterprise AI tools.

About You

We are looking for a person eager to work in a tech startup and who has a strong interest and background in fundraising, strategy, operations, and AI automation. You are a team player with a profound interest in manufacturing and technical challenges. You bring your voice to the table and enhance our team collaboration. You are enthusiastic about your work, and you remove hurdles. You can work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements. You are eligible to work in Switzerland.

• Run market deep dives, partner analyses, and document the commercial strategy.
• Scout event opportunities and organize trips.
• Prepare investor materials and the data room.
• Coordinate outreach, meetings, and follow-ups.
• Set up, evaluate, and improve AI tools to automate tasks throughout our operations (documentation, onboarding, etc.).
• Manage and clean up the data foundation (cloud storage, project management, and CRM).

• Pursuing or having obtained a higher education degree (HSG, ZHAW, UZH, FHNW, ETH, or equivalent) OR 3+ years of professional experience in business operations and startups.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Background and understanding of manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to effectively leverage AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) and a strong interest in AI workflow automation tools (N8N, Clay, Zapier, etc.).
• Comfortable learning and using enterprise software (HubSpot, Jira, M365, etc.).
• Fluent in German and English.

Advantageous but not essential:

• Experience with venture capital and/or in deep-tech startups
• Apprenticeship in a quantitative field (polymechanics, automation, design engineering); or
• deep exposure to technology
• Experience in CNC machining technologies such as machines and machining
• processes, controllers, CAM, and simulation software.
• Exposure to grant writing
• Experience with programming in languages such as Python

• Personal growth potential: You will be a key team member and part of the success story.
• Equity participation: You’ll have the opportunity to share in the company’s success through our stock option plan.
• Personal development: Dedicated time to pursue your personal interests and goals.
• Time off and flexibility: Generous vacation and flexible work hours.
• Pension plan: Generous and competitive.
• Location: Zürich

At Manukai, we work on real problems with real impact. We combine advanced AI algorithms, human-centered design, and deep respect for craftsmanship in manufacturing. If you’re looking for meaningful work, a sharp team, and a culture that cares — we’d love to meet you.