CEO (AI EdTech Startup)

ZNEXT is seeking a CEO for one of its portfolio companies in the EdTech space, soon to launch on the market.

About ZNEXT

At ZNEXT, we are building the next generation of technology businesses that unlock human potential. Backed by Italy’s leading educational publishing house Zanichelli Editore, ZNEXT is a €60 million build-and-acquire initiative launched to develop world-class technology businesses in the fields of EdTech, Future of Work, Lifelong Learning, and Wellbeing Technology.

We operate through two synergistic divisions:

  • Venture Building: acting as a co-founder to entrepreneurs building new companies in EdTech, Future of Work, Lifelong Learning and Wellbeing.
  • M&A: acquiring majority stakes in high-potential companies that are ready to scale with smart capital and operational support.

🔗 More at https://www.znext.io/

Mission

We believe that the technologies reshaping how we learn, work, and live will define the next era of progress. That’s why we don’t just invest: we co-build. As co-founders, operators, and growth catalysts, we bring together patient capital, hands-on support, and an ecosystem of educators, technologists, and industry leaders to help visionary teams go further, faster.

Our approach is data-informed, human-centric, and long-term. We’re not chasing short-term wins. We’re building a European ecosystem that reimagines education and work from first principles. Our ambition goes beyond financial returns: we aim to contribute to technological, cultural, and social progress through companies that outlast hype cycles and shape generations.

Values

At ZNEXT, we act as catalysts for the companies and people that will define the future of learning, work, and human potential. We’re not here to follow playbooks. We partner with those who want to rewrite them.

Our values reflect the kind of founders, leaders, and teammates we seek to build with:

  • Knowledge hunters Relentlessly curious, always asking questions;
  • Adaptable - Learn from failure, continuously evolving, and embracing change;
  • Data-backed human instinct Blending scientific data and analytics with gut instinct;
  • Vibrant leaders Energize teams and unlock human potential;
  • Commercial conviction Unwavering in vision but commercially pragmatic, prioritising product-market-fit.

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Offer Details

  • Role: CEO
  • Location: Milan/Hybrid
  • Start date: immediate
  • Compensation: Salary + stock options

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About the Company

The Company is an AI-driven EdTech startup on a mission to revolutionize how organizations and individuals create, manage, and share knowledge. The platform transforms existing content (documents, videos, notes, and audio) into interactive and personalized learning experiences powered by intelligent AI tutors.

By bridging generative AI with education and professional training, It empowers enterprises, educators, and learners to centralize their knowledge and make learning dynamic, adaptive, and accessible.

The Role

ZNEXT is seeking an experienced and growth-oriented Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the company’s strategic expansion, with a strong focus on B2B partnerships and enterprise sales.

The CEO will work closely with the CTO & Co-Founder to align the company’s business roadmap with its technological and product development strategy. This role requires a balance of entrepreneurial drive, commercial expertise, and a deep understanding of how AI can transform education and training.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the company’s go-to-market and growth strategy across enterprise and institutional segments.
  • Build and nurture partnerships with corporate training providers, educational institutions, and industry organizations.
  • Collaborate with the CTO & Co-Founder to shape the product vision and ensure alignment between customer needs and technological innovation.
  • Actively represent the company with investors and stakeholders, with strong skills in pitching and storytelling

Ideal Candidate

  • 7+ years of experience as a CEO, Managing Director, or senior executive in a tech or EdTech startup, ideally with B2B SaaS expertise.
  • Strong track record in scaling partnerships, enterprise sales, or business development.
  • Strong understanding of AI, data, or learning technologies and their impact on education and corporate training.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with technical founders and product teams.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Fluency in English and Italian; additional European languages are a plus.

What We Offer

  • This is a founder-level opportunity with an early-stage compensation structure (lean cash compensation + significant equity package)
  • Opportunity to lead a high-potential startup shaping the future of AI-powered learning.
  • Direct collaboration with a visionary technical founding team.
  • Flexible, remote-friendly work environment focused on trust and results.

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ZNEXT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.All hiring decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We are dedicated to ensuring a respectful, supportive, and harassment-free environment for all team members.
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