Founding CEO: CO2Volt
CO2VOLT is a pioneering cleantech startup developing a next‑generation CO₂ electrolyser technology that converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide for conversion to chemicals and fuels. Our innovative acidic operation system delivers superior efficiency, operational uptime and compatibility with impure CO₂ feeds. The market is projected to reach $1.6 billion by 2033 (CAGR 31.2%).
Opportunity
We are seeking a visionary commercial co‑founder/CEO to lead CO2VOLT, a University of Liverpool spin‑out, through its critical transition from laboratory breakthrough to commercial deployment. The main role is to drive CO2VOLT from pilot‑scale demonstration to commercial deployment over a 5‑year horizon, securing capital, strategic partnerships and operational infrastructure for scale‑up and international expansion across Europe, North America and Asia‑Pacific.
This is not just a job, it’s an opportunity to build a significant climate tech startup: establishing market leadership in carbon utilisation and industrial decarbonisation, backed by compelling IP in an extraordinary growth market.
CO2VOLT is backed by Zinc VC, the University of Liverpool and a large grant.
Partnership
The CEO will form a critical partnership with CO2VOLT's Founding CTO, operating as complementary forces driving the company's success. While the CTO focuses on technology development, IP protection and scientific validation, the CEO will translate this innovation into commercial value, investor narratives and customer solutions.
This relationship requires mutual respect for technical expertise and commercial acumen. The CEO must understand the technology deeply enough to credibly represent it to investors and industrial customers, while empowering the CTO to make technical decisions without micromanagement. Success demands regular strategic alignment on development priorities, balancing the CTO's drive for technical excellence with the CEO's mandate for commercial readiness and time‑to‑market.
Key Responsibilities
Commercialisation & Market Entry
* Lead lab‑to‑market transition from pilot (Year 1) through commercial prototype (Years 2‑3) to full‑scale deployment (Years 4‑5)
* Onboard strategic industrial partners in chemical manufacturing, synthetic fuels and carbon capture & utilisation
* Execute hybrid business model: direct sales, IP licensing, joint ventures and Syngas-as-a-Service
* Engage early adopters in cement, steel, chemicals and energy sectors
Technology & Competitive Leadership
* Articulate technological advantages: acidic operation, carbonate mitigation, high efficiency, impure CO₂ compatibility
* Differentiate against competitors
* Expand and protect IP portfolio
* Guide regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions
* Build the executive team including manufacturing, regulatory, business development and operations specialists
* Recruit connected Non‑Executive Directors with sector credibility
* Establish culture attracting top electrochemistry, engineering and cleantech talent
* Manage board relations and stakeholder communications
What You Bring – Essential
Experience
* Start‑up/scale‑up leadership from pre‑revenue through growth stage
* Ideal candidate will have experience in founding/building a company
* 5+ years senior leadership (C‑suite/VP)
* Proven lab‑to‑market track record in deep‑tech/clean‑tech commercialisation
* Direct sector experience in electrolyser, hydrogen, carbon capture, CO₂ conversion or electrochemical technologies
* Fundraising success: multiple rounds totalling £10 M+ (equity + grants);
* Industrial customer relationships in chemicals, fuels, energy or heavy industry
Technical & Sector Knowledge
* Deep understanding of electrochemical technologies and CO₂ utilisation
* Familiarity with competitive landscape (SOEC, co‑electrolysis, alternative pathways)
* Knowledge of industrial integration, process economics and syngas markets
Commercial & Strategic Acumen
* Experience with equipment sales, IP licensing, joint ventures or "as‑a‑service" models
* Track record of strategic partnerships with industrial corporations
* International market entry experience (Europe, North America, Asia‑Pacific)
Leadership & Personal Attributes
* Inspirational leader who attracts exceptional talent
* Excellent communicator to investors, customers and policymakers
* Mission‑driven with passion for climate action and decarbonisation
* Entrepreneurial mindset with execution focus and resilience
What You Bring – Desirable
* Advanced degree (PhD/MSc) in electrochemistry, chemical engineering or materials science
* Experience in grant funding
* Previous successful exits (acquisition, IPO or major milestones)
* Network in target customer sectors and policy/advocacy experience
* Manufacturing scale‑up experience from prototype to commercial production
What We Offer
* Opportunity to build and lead a mission‑driven organisation from the ground up
* Significant equity stake and good starting salary
* Support from Zinc VC, the University of Liverpool and grant funding
* The time commitment is 2 days a week starting as soon as possible, ramping up over 2026
* The candidate must be willing to travel to Liverpool
Process
Please fill in this form: https://airtable.com/appx3kHgjd590DW1T/pagOeWnhNInjkmaZz/form
Applications close January 16th. We will be in touch shortly after that.
#J-18808-Ljbffr