Business Development Lead & Potential Co-founder to Energy SaaS Startup from KTH

Building energy advice people can trust Investing in solar panels, heat pumps or battery storage can reduce household energy costs and emissions. However, conflicting recommendations from commercial installers often leave homeowners uncertain and misguided about which investments to prioritize. Sweden's publicly funded municipal energy advisors provide free, impartial guidance but often rely on spreadsheets and manual estimations, making it difficult to deliver tailored recommendations and track outcomes. Kronwatt is developing a digital decision-support platform that helps advisors assess households, compare energy investment options and provide clear, data-driven recommendations. Starting in Sweden, we aim to make impartial, data-driven energy advice accessible across Europe. OUR JOURNEY SO FAR Developed a working prototype: Developed a functional energy modelling tool that evaluates a building’s energy profile, performance and recommends solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Engaged with potential users: Interviewed municipal energy advisors to understand their challenges and validate the problem. Launched our website: Made Kronwatt accessible online in both Swedish and English. Backed by KTH Innovation: Receiving guidance and mentorship from a business coach with professional experience in the energy sector. THE ROAD AHEAD With a strong technical foundation in place, our focus now shifts to building a commercially sustainable business driven by customer needs. Our initial target market includes Swedish municipalities and regional energy offices, where we see an opportunity to help advisors deliver reliable, efficient and data-driven energy advice. With energy advice available for the public in nearly all of Sweden's 290 municipalities and a network of 14 regional energy offices, we see a promising foundation for developing a viable business. Our next step is to engage potential stakeholders, understand their needs and willingness to pay, and build a sustainable business with long-term potential for expansion across Europe. As our Business Developer & Co-founder, you will lead the next phase of our growth, with the following key responsibilities: Build strategic relationships by identifying and engaging potential customers and partners across Swedish municipalities, regional energy agencies, energy advisors, and relevant public-sector organizations. Develop and validate the business model by identifying paying customers, exploring funding opportunities, and shaping a sustainable commercial strategy. Secure paid pilots and commercial partnerships by leading business development activities, from initial outreach and negotiations to establishing long-term agreements. Drive market-led growth by working closely with the founding team to translate customer feedback into product improvements, new business opportunities, and future market expansion. WHAT WE OFFER An opportunity to join Kronwatt as a co-founder, lead the commercial side of the business, and play a key role in shaping the company's strategy and growth from the ground up. You will work alongside two founders with extensive experience in the energy sector, combining expertise in energy modelling, solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, research and product development. Together, we bring technical expertise, industry knowledge and a shared commitment to making sustainable energy decisions more accessible. As an early-stage startup, we initially offer a part-time, equity-based opportunity, with no salary until funding is secured. Equity will be subject to vesting, with the specific terms negotiated based on the agreed time commitment, planned milestones, relevant experience, and other contributing factors. This is an opportunity to help build a meaningful business from the ground up and share in its long-term success. We work primarily remotely, with English as our working language. We expect you to have: Fluency in both Swedish and English. Experience in public-sector procurement or B2B sales and business development within Sweden. ⁠Understanding of public-sector purchasing processes, funding mechanisms and commercial negotiations. Strong communication, networking and relationship-building skills. Ability to identify business opportunities, create value for customers and contribute to business model development. A proactive, collaborative mindset with the ability to take initiative and work independently. Meriting: Experience in the energy, buildings or sustainability sectors. Familiarity with EU-funded programmes for innovation. Previous experience in a startup or early-stage business. Who thrives with us : Building an early-stage startup comes with its share of ups and downs, unexpected challenges and evolving priorities. We are looking for someone who embraces this dynamic environment, is comfortable making decisions amid uncertainty, takes on challenges with enthusiasm and learns from setbacks. We're looking for someone who brings creativity, optimism and a can-do attitude to building relationships and exploring business opportunities. We believe in open communication, mutual trust and a shared willingness to learn and build something meaningful together.