Chief Executive Officer @ Startup Kadapa

About Startup Kadapa

Startup Kadapa is an entrepreneurship initiative launched in Kadapa to encourage and support young entrepreneurs in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The program aims to provide a professional platform for aspiring founders, helping them develop business ideas, access mentorship, build startups, and create employment opportunities in the region.

Key objectives of Startup Kadapa include:

● Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among youth.

● Providing guidance, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

● Supporting startup creation and business growth.

● Strengthening the local startup ecosystem and regional economic development.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Andhra Pradesh government to develop Kadapa as a technology and business hub, including plans for an IT cluster park designed to attract startups and IT companies.

Position Summary

The CEO will provide strategic leadership and overall management of Startup Kadapa. The role involves building and nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem, driving institutional growth, establishing partnerships, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring the successful execution of incubation and entrepreneurship programs.

Reporting Structure

● Reports to: Governing Board / Governing Council of Startup Kadapa

● Direct Reports: Head of Incubation, Finance Manager, and other functional team members as may be appointed

● Works Closely With: Ecosystem and network partners, investors, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders

Tenure

● Initial appointment for a period of 01 year, extendable based on performance,organizational requirements, and approval of the Governing Board.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership

● Develop and implement the vision, strategy, and growth roadmap for Startup Kadapa.

● Position Startup Kadapa as a leading innovation and entrepreneurship hub in the region.

● Establish policies, governance frameworks, and operational systems.

B. Ecosystem Development

● Build strong relationships with startups, founders, investors, corporates, academic institutions, government agencies, and ecosystem partners.

● Promote entrepreneurship and innovation across the district.

● Facilitate access to mentorship, funding, market linkages, and industry networks.

C. Program Management

● Oversee incubation, acceleration, capacity-building, and innovation programs.

● Ensure effective delivery and impact measurement of all initiatives.

● Drive startup outreach and engagement activities.

D. Stakeholder Management

● Act as the primary liaison with the District Administration, Industry partners, and funding agencies.

● Present progress reports, strategic plans, and performance outcomes to governing bodies.

E. Financial & Operational Management

● Lead budgeting, resource mobilization, and financial sustainability initiatives.

● Ensure compliance with statutory, financial, and governance requirements.

● Build and lead a high-performing team.

Qualifications & Experience

● Master's degree in Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Public Policy, or related disciplines.

● Minimum 10 years of professional experience.

● At least 06 years of leadership experience in startup ecosystems, incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, entrepreneurship development, or related sectors. venture capital,

● Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and institution building.

Key Competencies

● Strategic thinking and leadership

● Ecosystem development

● Partnership building

● Fundraising and resource mobilization

● Program management

● Communication and stakeholder engage