About Us
Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us.
In just three years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world-class team of 180+ employees (including 55+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 11 different countries and with offices in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million.
Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer.
Are you up for the challenge?
Position Overview
To support our rapid expansion and professionalize our internal legal function, we are seeking an experienced Head of Legal. This business-oriented leader will thrive in a dynamic environment and provide pragmatic, strategic legal guidance across all aspects of the company’s operations.
As Head of Legal, you will guide Axelera AI through funding rounds, M&A activities, corporate structuring, and international expansion and sales, while managing legal risks and regulatory compliance. You will build the legal team and function as the company grows, with the potential to evolve into a Chief Legal Officer role.
Key responsibilities:
Transactional Legal Leadership
Guide the company in funding rounds, M&A transactions, and financing activities
Oversee the structuring, negotiation, and execution of high-value commercial contracts and strategic partnerships.
Develop and implement a robust contracting framework for Axelera.AI’s global sales and operations.
Corporate Governance and Structuring
Advise the board on governance and corporate matters, including structuring and expansion across 15+ jurisdictions.
Establish new legal entities and corporate structures as the company grows.
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with (inter)national laws and regulations, including trade laws, export controls, and data protection.
Handle legal disputes and litigation as needed.
Develop and implement company policies and procedures to mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
IP Protection
Manage Axelera.AI’s intellectual property portfolio, including patents and trademarks.
Advise on IP strategy and protection in global markets.
General Legal Support
Provide advice on HR/employment matters, trade compliance, and other relevant areas of law.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, offering business-oriented legal solutions that align with company objectives.
Manage external legal counsels.
Qualifications:
We are seeking a transactional, ambitious, and business-minded legal leader who combines legal expertise with a pragmatic, hands-on approach.
Qualifications and Experience
10+ years of legal experience, including in corporate law, M&A, and funding rounds.
Experience in a fast-paced, international scale-up or deep-tech environment, with a track record of building or professionalizing a legal function.
Expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing high-value commercial contracts.
Knowledge of hardware and/or the semiconductor market is a significant advantage.
Skills and Requirements
Fluent in Dutch and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
Business-oriented mindset with the ability to balance legal risks with strategic objectives.
Hands-on project manager with a “get-it-done” mentality.
Flexible, creative problem solver with sound judgment and strategic vision.
Great team player with leadership potential to evolve into a Chief Legal Officer role.
Location
This role is located in the Netherlands and requires regular weekly visits to our offices in Amsterdam and/or Eindhoven.
What we offer
This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares.
An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team.
At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.
