Strategic Lead

Think endgame. Build the path. Own execution.

We're looking for a strategic sparring partner to our CEO - someone who can think in endgame scenarios, reverse-engineer how we get there, and own execution on the strategic and financial initiatives that will define the next 2-3 years.

If you're the type who loves mapping out endgame scenarios and building the analysis that unlocks major decisions, this role is for you.

Join us on our growth journey

At Cernel, we're bringing the AI revolution to ecommerce by building the intelligent backbone behind every item sold online. We make ecommerce teams work smarter, faster, and with amplified abilities across the entire value chain - starting with what lies at the core: product data.

We're at an inflection point. We've proven product-market fit, we're scaling revenue, and we're preparing for our Series A. The decisions we make in the next 2-3 years will determine whether we become a regional player or build something truly significant from Aarhus.

As Strategic Lead, you'll be the CEO's closest strategic resource. This is a broadly scoped role: you'll drive special projects at the highest strategic level, own the finance function, and lead our preparation and execution of Series A fundraising.

This is an individual contributor role. You won't manage people, but you'll work closely with the CEO and leadership team with significant autonomy to shape your domain.

Responsibilities and daily work

Strategy and special projects (50%)

• Drive analyses that form the foundation for major strategic decisions - e.g., US market entry, cross-geography pricing, long-term GTM strategy

• Build scenario models for growth, capital allocation, and positioning

• Create clarity on endgame and how we get there

• Own strategic initiatives from hypothesis through execution

• Support CEO on board-level strategic discussions

Finance & fundraising (50%)

• Own the finance function end-to-end (we have external bookkeeping and potentially a student for operational tasks, but you ensure it runs smoothly)

• Develop budgets and capital allocation together with CEO

• Build and maintain financial model, keep unit economics sharp

• Map the VC landscape and drive outreach toward Series A

• Help us land on the right raise size and runway

• Build data room, financial slides, and prepare for due diligence

• Support CEO on ongoing investor and board reporting

• Navigate term sheets, cap table implications, and deal structure

Who you are and requirements

• Experience with startup fundraising - you've been close to (or run) a raise before

• Background in business development, finance, banking, or consultancy (Tier-1 preferred but not required)

• Minimum bachelor's degree, preferably in business or related field

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills –-you build models from scratch without hesitation

• Strategic thinking combined with operational hands-on energy - you think big and roll up your sleeves

• Fluent in Danish and English at a high level

• Thrive as an individual contributor with high responsibility and direct CEO access

• Comfortable with ambiguity and making decisions with incomplete information

• Strong business judgment and ability to balance short-term execution with long-term vision

Bonus experience with:

• Series A or growth-stage fundraising processes

• Building financial models for SaaS businesses

• VC ecosystem and investor relations

• Strategic M&A or partnership evaluation

• Board presentation and materials

Who we are

Cernel is building the next generation of ecommerce infrastructure with AI-powered agents that automate complex tasks and connect workflows across systems. We're developing an advanced agent framework that analyses data, makes decisions, and drives performance - giving ecommerce teams better results, higher conversions, and more time for creative work.

We are currently a team of 24 people working from our brand new HQ at Frederiksbjerg, Aarhus. We are ambitious, caring, and collaborative. We work hard, move fast, and genuinely care about building both a great product and a great organisation.

We're backed by strong VCs and have proven product-market fit with customers like Hummel, Matas, and Vero Moda. Now we're preparing for our next chapter.

Next steps and how to apply

The process for the role will look as follows:

• Apply and share information about yourself

• Initial conversation with CEO (45-60 minutes)

• Case presentation and deep-dive discussion in Aarhus (2-3 hours)

• Meet key stakeholders and leadership team

• Offer and reference checks

We look forward to hearing from you.