From the lab bench to venture development, approved on the deadline
A deep-tech venture building firm, part of an overseas group, hired a research associate into a commercial venture development role. Approval had to land within three months of the start date. The documents were signed days before the deadline, submitted the next day, and approved on the last day of the window.
Industry context
Venture builders that turn research into companies need people who understand the science and can also judge a market: screen opportunities, size markets, find partners and run programmes. Researchers are the natural pool, but the commercial half of the job is new to them.
What changed and why CCP applied
Laboratory research was replaced by venture screening, market sizing, partner prospecting and programme operations. The candidate’s scientific background stayed relevant to judging ventures, but the work itself changed function entirely.
Our strategy
In our consultation process, we aligned the role scope and training plan with the venture development work, submitted the day after the documents were signed, and guided the client through the portal steps, one of which had to be redone. After approval, a required human capital diagnostic report was filed on its own deadline, and the training and performance evaluation documents were prepared for the claim.
OJT activities included
- Sourcing and screening early-stage ventures.
- Market sizing for shortlisted opportunities.
- Prospecting industry and research partners.
- Running venture programme operations.
Outcome
- Role
- Research associate converted into associate manager, frontier development
- Pathway
- Different job scope pathway (new hire)
- Status
- Approved on the last day of the window; claim documents prepared
- Strategic value
- A scientist moved into the commercial side of venture building with structured support
Key takeaway
The three-month window from the start date does not bend. Start the paperwork when the person is hired, not when the deadline is close, and remember that obligations after approval, such as diagnostic reports, have deadlines too.