Founders Associate (m/f/x)

We’re Cortea, a Berlin-based startup rebuilding how audits are done.

Audits are still driven by spreadsheets, checklists, and manual reviews in one of the most regulated, high-stakes areas of business.
We use AI to automate audits end to end, so highly educated auditors no longer spend 60+ hour weeks on manual work and can focus on judgment, trust, and choices that matter.
With €10m+ in funding, a live product, and paying customers across Europe, we’re at a stage where your choices will directly shape Cortea’s future, and how audits are done.

This isn’t a “support the founders” role. It’s a true company-building role with the founders.
As Founders Associate, you’ll work directly with Valentin (Co-Founder) on Cortea’s most important growth and financial priorities, from market expansion and pricing to fundraising and pivots. You’ll help scale the company internationally and build a strong financial foundation. Real ownership from day one.

You’ll take responsibility for initiatives that influence revenue development and financial health, from defining metrics to building systems that scale Cortea toward long-term growth.
This role is ideal if you want broad responsibility, fast learning, and a clear path into future responsibility, with support, context, and trust as you grow into it.
You’ll learn more in 6 months here than in years elsewhere.

Design and execute concrete growth initiatives to win the audit market, from pricing to go-to-market experiments

• Build repeatable structures, processes, and metrics to help scale Cortea toward €100m+ ARR

• Support international expansion projects, from market understanding and go-to-market setup to execution

• Own financial reporting, planning, and key metrics, ensuring transparency, clarity, and reliability

• Work closely with the founders on investor relations and funding rounds

• Own company-wide initiatives such as developing an AI-era pricing model or leading expansion into the next three countries, supporting execution with the founders and the team

You’ll have real room to operate, owning topics end to end, making thoughtful choices, and representing Cortea externally, with guidance when needed.

• 2+ years of experience in a fast-learning environment (startup, consulting, investment banking, or similar)

• Thoughtful problem-solver who takes projects end to end, from framing the right problem to designing an AI-first solution

• Comfortable operating in high ambiguity, prioritizing what to automate next while maintaining quality standards

• Clear, concise communicator who enjoys collaborative problem solving, writing clearly and debating in person

• (Plus) Experience with financial processes (e.g. budgeting, forecasting, reporting) and exposure to a P&L

• Fluent in English and German (min. C1)

You don’t need to tick every box. If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you.

• Founder mindset: Everyone acts like a founder. You’re encouraged to take on any topic you believe is worth improving, with team and founder support.

• Thoughtful decision-making: Collaborative problem solving, concise written thinking, and in-person discussions to reach the best result.

• Speed over perfection: We value progress and learning, preferring strong 80/20 solutions over perfection.

• Feedback & learning: We give and ask for feedback weekly. Not monthly.

You’ve contributed to and delivered 3+ meaningful projects within your first 6 months, learning through iteration and feedback along the way

• You’ve gone deep on at least one core topic (e.g. pricing, expansion, finance) and become exceptionally strong in it

• You’re trusted by founders and investors to steward important topics

• Impact: Meaningful responsibility on Cortea’s most important growth and finance priorities

• Growth: Mentorship from experienced founders and close collaboration across the company

• Career path: A strong foundation for future leadership roles (Growth, Finance, General Management)

• Compensation: Competitive salary + meaningful equity

• Perks: Learning budget, team lunches, off-sites, flexible vacation, and a supportive in-office setup in central Berlin

• Intro call with Leon (Founders Associate Growth)

• Strategy & finance interview, real-world scenario with Valentin (Co-Founder)

• Culture interview, Values and Collaboration Fit with Philipp (Co-Founder)

• On-site half-day (Berlin): meet the team and work through a real, current problem

We’re an equal‑opportunity team and strongly encourage women and underrepresented candidates to apply.