Startup Mentor

Company Description Fauna Venture Studio builds ventures from the ground up, partnering with founders, institutions, and operators who are focused on execution. The team has hands-on experience across venture building, AI-powered products, maritime technologies, and digital platforms, spanning early validation through to scalable SaaS and investor-ready growth strategies. Fauna operates through CFaaS (Co-Founder-as-a-Service), acting as an execution-focused co-founder from day zero, and VSaaS (Venture Studio-as-a-Service), collaborating with corporates and ecosystem players to design, launch, and scale new ventures. With a clear focus on validating quickly, building effectively, and scaling with purpose, Fauna supports the development of AI agents, industry platforms, and high-impact ventures that move ideas decisively from concept to market. Role Description The Startup Mentor is a full-time remote role responsible for guiding early-stage and growth-stage ventures through validation, product development, and go-to-market execution. In this role, the mentor will work closely with founders and venture teams to refine business models, structure execution plans, stress-test strategies, and prepare for fundraising and scaling. Day-to-day responsibilities include leading mentoring and coaching sessions, reviewing pitch decks and financial models, providing feedback on sales strategies, and supporting decision-making on product and market fit. The Startup Mentor will collaborate with Fauna’s internal team across CFaaS and VSaaS engagements, contribute to venture-building frameworks, and help maintain a high standard of execution for multiple portfolio ventures. Qualifications Solid experience in Business Planning and Finance, including business model design, budgeting, forecasting, and investor-facing documentation. Proven Mentoring and Coaching skills, with the ability to support founders, challenge assumptions constructively, and guide teams through ambiguity. Strong Sales and go-to-market capabilities, including pipeline development, customer discovery, and commercial strategy for B2B or B2C ventures. Background in startups, venture building, or innovation roles (e.g., founder, operator, accelerator mentor, or venture studio professional). Ability to work independently in a remote, fast-paced environment while managing multiple ventures and stakeholders. Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with clear, structured thinking and the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans. Familiarity with technology-driven products (AI, SaaS, digital platforms) and early-stage validation methods is highly beneficial. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Technology, or a related field; advanced degrees or significant equivalent experience are a plus.