Founder (gn) - Next-Gen Functional Beverage Venture, Japan

3 days ago
Full time role
In-person · Tokyo, JP... more

About the Venture

We're looking for a visionary Founder to build this venture from the ground up, with full backing and support from the FoodLabs team.

We’re on a mission to transform Japan's beverage landscape. The future of drinks is healthy, sustainable, and functional — and we’re building it. Our goal is to create the next generation of energy drinks that not only taste great but also deliver genuine health benefits and reduce environmental impact.

The Japanese energy drink market is on the verge of a shift, with a projected growth of 13% CAGR until 2032. However, the current offerings are dominated by sugary, unhealthy choices. We see a massive opportunity to introduce a product crafted from natural ingredients that combine superior taste with sustained performance—clean energy without the crash. We aim to empower people to live healthier, more energized lives in a sustainable way.


About FoodLabs

FoodLabs is a European venture capital investor and venture studio based in Berlin, focused on revolutionizing the food system to improve both human and planetary health. Our investments span FoodTech, AgTech, Health, and Sustainability, backing mission-driven founders who solve the most pressing challenges in these sectors. We supported groundbreaking ventures like Formo, Foodji, and Infinite Roots, working alongside scientists and visionary entrepreneurs.


What Success Looks Like in the First Months

  • Develop and implement a go-to-market strategy for Japan.

  • Finalize product formulation and packaging, launching initial flavors.

  • Establish manufacturing, logistics, and distribution partnerships across Japan.

  • Acquire the first customers and gather feedback for product iteration.

  • Build a community-led brand that connects with the modern consumer.

  • Build and inspire a high-performing team.

  • Kickstart fundraising efforts for the next phase of growth.


What You Need to Succeed

  • A strong passion for transforming the Japanese beverage market.

  • In-depth knowledge of the Japanese consumer products landscape.

  • Proven ability to build relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.

  • Experience in fundraising, ideally within startups or the VC ecosystem.

  • Excellent communication skills, capable of managing diverse stakeholders from investors to customers.

  • Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and foster company culture.

  • An entrepreneurial spirit with resilience and adaptability.

  • Fluency in Japanese and English is essential.


What We Offer

  • The opportunity to lead a groundbreaking venture in the Japanese beverage market.

  • The chance to shape the future of health and sustainability in consumer products.

  • Full backing from FoodLabs, including financial, operational, and strategic support.

  • Access to a vast network of portfolio companies and industry mentors.

  • Long-term commitment and support throughout your entrepreneurial journey.


What We Value

  • Impact: A passion for building something from the ground up and a drive to create transformative change in the beverage industry.

  • Grit: The grit to navigate the challenges of a pre-seed venture, with the ability to move fast, iterate quickly, and make things happen with limited resources.

  • Curiosity: A fearless attitude toward uncertainty, always seeking innovative solutions and challenging the conventional way of doing things.

  • Experience: A track record of taking bold steps in uncharted territory, whether in startups, consulting, or early-stage ventures, with hands-on experience in building from scratch.