Principal - Deep Tech/AI

About Giraffe Studios:

Giraffe Studios is building India's deep tech and IP-led manufacturing companies from the ground up - in energy transition, generative AI applied to industrial problems, and intelligent machines. We're not a fund that writes cheques and waits; we're an operating platform that works as the extended founding team for every company we build - hands-on in supply chain, prototyping, hiring, and go-to-market from day one. As a Principal, you won't be evaluating deals from the sidelines - you'll be in the trenches building companies, hiring founding teams, and solving the hard technical and operational problems that come with turning IP into a real, scaled business.

Our current portfolio includes Naxatra Labs (electric motors for EVs and Drones), Zenergize (now a fast growing power electronics products company) and Zstate.ai (AI data infrastructure & evaluation systems) and two new upcoming ventures - Zeratron and Powertrace.

We back the scientists, engineers, and builders creating the technology stack behind India's next industrial chapter. This is a rare seat to help build that chapter from the inside.

Who you will work with:

You will work directly with Giraffe Studios co-founders:

- Himanshu Aggarwal : Co-founder & ex-CEO, Aspiring Minds

- Mohit Tandon : Co-founder, Delhivery

Together, they have built and scaled category-defining Indian companies from the ground up, and now do the same as hands-on operating partners to the Giraffe portfolio.

About The Role:

We are looking for entrepreneurs at heart - builders who possess profound bias for action & thrive on driving tangible, on-the-ground results. This is not a VC/fund role. You'll sit at the intersection of operating, investing, and strategy : in the room for the decisions that shape which companies get built, how they scale, and where the studio bets next. A high-impact stepping stone for anyone building a career in the startup ecosystem.

What you will do:

- Drive Strategic Initiatives: Scout and evaluate new technologies, build partnerships with research and education institutes, manage EIR (Entrepreneur-in-resident) program and work closely with the founders to scale the studio.

- Portfolio Acceleration: Work hands-on with founding teams across the portfolio on go-to-market strategy, financial planning, and operational problem-solving; acting as an extension of the portfolio founding team, not an outside observer. Source, diligence, and assess new deep-tech and IP-led opportunities from a business and financial lens.

Who We Are Looking For:

- The Builder: A first-principles thinker who does not just present solutions, but also implement them.

- The Profile: We are actively looking for ex-entrepreneurs, startup veterans, and former founding or core team members.

- The Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience. We value a proven track record of taking initiative in high-growth environments.

- The Mindset: Who is looking for a significant, high-impact career progression. You care more about the "how" and "why" of building than traditional pedigree.

- The Education: An engineering degree is mandatory. Graduation from Tier 1 engineering institutions is preferred but not necessary.