Founding Business Development Lead

About ProudZone Millions of 2SLGBTQ+ people around the world cannot safely access community life. Find support, get information, and find entertainment where they live. ProudZone is building the online neighborhood they deserve - a privacy-first ecosystem connecting people with community, information, and support, safely and on their own terms. We are pre-seed, international, and fully remote - with a founding team across Germany and Canada. Let's be honest with you first This role comes with equity only - for now. We have structured it around a flexible commitment of a few focused hours a week, up to 15, because we understand this cannot be your only responsibility right now. If you are looking for a stable income, this is not the right moment for you - and we would rather tell you that clearly than waste your time. If you are looking for the chance to build something meaningful from the ground up, read on. The opportunity At ProudZone, business development and relationship building are not just about closing deals - they are how we build trust with the organisations, supporters, and allies who share our mission. We created this role because we believe that strong and successful business relationships take time - and we need to build them from ProudZone's earliest days. You will manage these relationships end to end: the research, the outreach, the follow-up, and the handoff. The co-founders step in where their experience and vision need to be in the room - you make sure those moments are well-prepared and well-followed-up. Your relationship management spans from early supporters and 2SLGBTQ+ organisations to broader stakeholders and strategic contacts. What you own Research and qualify outreach targets Draft and send outreach messages and follow-up sequences Own the pipeline - keep records current, stages updated, every interaction logged Prepare briefings before every co-founder conversation Follow up after co-founder meetings and capture next steps Prepare the founding team for startup and industry events - and where budget allows and you would like to, join us there Regular pipeline updates to keep the co-founders informed Working closely with the founding team Some moments call for the co-founders to lead - your role is to set those moments up and carry them forward: Co-founder-led conversations with serious supporter and partner candidates Strategic partner meetings where the ProudZone vision needs to be felt, not just explained Shared decisions on who to pursue, who to nurture, and who to park Your contribution makes every one of those moments possible - and shapes what happens next. Who you are Energised by outreach, follow-up, and pipeline management Comfortable with mission-led conversations - this is not selling software Disciplined and self-directed - you do not need to be chased A clear, warm communicator in English Some exposure to BD, outreach, or community relations - in any context Connection to the 2SLGBTQ+ community is not required. A genuine commitment to the mission is. How we start A 4–8 week trial collaboration - a low-risk way for both of us to see how we work together before committing to the full founding role. Equity and compensation Equity-only while pre-funding. Equity range: 1–2% fully diluted - that is our starting point, not a ceiling. When ProudZone reaches funding, compensation transitions to a salary structure. If you wish, the role can grow into a full-time position. To apply Send a short note to [email protected] - no CV required, though you are welcome to include one. Tell us about yourself, why this role caught your attention, and what BD or outreach work you have done before. We read every message personally.