ABSTRACT
Luna is seeking co-founders and key collaborators to join a funded startup at the ground level. We offer equity-based compensation for early contributors alongside the opportunity to shape an innovative product with clear market validation and patent protection.
Our Vision for Team Building
The Luna project is structured as an independent entity with ownership distributed among shareholders. We value every contribution at market rates, with premiums for unique skills and strategic impact. Our equity distribution reflects both the value and risk profile of each contribution, with greatest rewards for those joining in the highest-risk early phases.
Current Status and Opportunity
- ✅ Patent Filed: Core technology protected (August 2025)
- ✅ EU Funding Approved: FESR Azione 1.3.3. EU Grant accepted (July 2025)
- ✅ Technical Documentation Complete: 700+ pages of validated models
- ✅ Market Analysis Complete: €1.7B addressable market identified
- 🔄 Regulatory Approval: In process with ENAC/EASA
- 📅 Prototype Phase: Starting December 2025
This is a funded, de-risked opportunity to join after validation but before scaling.
Open Positions and Equity Allocation
All positions offer equity compensation reflecting risk level and contribution type. We categorize needs into three risk classes:
First-Order Needs (Highest Equity)
Essential before customer testing - highest risk, highest reward
Second-Order Needs (Moderate Equity)
Important for mature-phase growth - moderate risk
Demand-Led Needs (Cash + Vesting)
Only necessary after market validation - lowest risk, preferred cash compensation
Technical Positions
Materials Scientist
Primary Responsibilities:
- Advanced polymer and textile selection for balloon envelope
- Helium permeability optimization
- Optical properties validation (haze, transparency)
- Weather resistance testing and certification
- Material sourcing and supplier relationships
Required Expertise:
- Polymer chemistry or materials engineering degree
- Experience with gas-barrier films (Mylar, PET, EVOH)
- Knowledge of optical material properties
- Industrial supplier network helpful
Why This Matters: The envelope material is Luna’s most critical component, affecting lift capacity, helium retention, light diffusion quality, and operational lifespan. Current design uses aluminized/non-aluminized Mylar combination, but optimization could significantly improve performance and reduce costs.
Compensation:
- Risk Class: Second-Order Need
- Equity: 8-12% with vesting based on material performance validation
- Timeline: 6-12 month vesting as prototypes are tested
Robotics & Mechatronics Engineer
Primary Responsibilities:
- Sensor array design and integration (accelerometers, inclinometers, thermometers)
- Cooling system optimization (fan placement, airflow modeling)
- Electronics packaging and weight optimization
- Computation center design (Arduino-based safety systems)
- Wiring and power management within weight constraints
Required Expertise:
- Mechatronics or robotics engineering background
- Experience with sensor fusion and redundancy systems
- Embedded systems development (Arduino, microcontrollers)
- Thermal management expertise
- Weight-constrained design experience preferred
Why This Matters: Luna’s safety and reliability depend entirely on the integrated electronics system. The dual computation centers with redundant sensors must operate flawlessly in challenging conditions (temperature extremes, vibration, weather exposure) while adding minimal weight.
Compensation:
- Risk Class: First-Order Need
- Equity: 15% for complete electronics & software subsystem
- Additional: Potential technical leadership role
Software Engineer - Physical Modeling
Primary Responsibilities:
- Python physical model development and validation
- External fluid dynamics (wind, turbulence, drag)
- Internal fluid dynamics (helium flow, cooling efficiency)
- Optical modeling (illumination patterns, diffusion)
- Thermodynamic simulation (heat transfer, LED cooling)
- Barometric pressure models (helium permeation prediction)
Required Expertise:
- Strong Python proficiency (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib)
- Computational physics or engineering simulation background
- Fluid dynamics knowledge (OpenFOAM experience valuable)
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer modeling
- Scientific computing and numerical methods
Why This Matters: Luna’s entire design is validated through simulation before expensive physical prototyping. Accurate models save months of iteration and thousands in material costs. These models also generate the critical parameters used by onboard safety systems.
Compensation:
- Risk Class: First-Order to Second-Order (depending on phase)
- Equity: 10-15% with milestones for each validated model
- Collaboration: Work directly with founder on existing codebase
Software Engineer - Embedded Systems
Primary Responsibilities:
- Onboard safety system implementation (Arduino/microcontroller)
- Emergency case detection algorithms
- Sensor discrepancy protocol (dual redundancy handling)
- Dual-channel communication (wired + wireless)
- Real-time data processing within hardware constraints
- Luna mobile app development (user interface, monitoring, controls)
Required Expertise:
- Embedded C/C++ programming
- Real-time systems and safety-critical software
- Arduino or similar microcontroller platforms
- Wireless communication protocols
- Mobile app development (iOS/Android) valuable
- State machine design for safety systems
Why This Matters: The embedded software is Luna’s brain - it must detect and respond to emergencies instantly without ground connection. This is safety-critical code that must be bulletproof, efficient, and thoroughly tested.
Compensation:
- Risk Class: First-Order Need
- Equity: 15% for complete safety system + app
- Bonus: Recurring update responsibilities could include ongoing compensation
Business Positions
Sales & Business Development Lead
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute market entry strategy
- Build relationships with initial construction and event industry clients
- Conduct first customer contacts per business plan
- Manage rental service operations in early phase
- Customer feedback collection and product iteration
- Pricing strategy refinement and market testing
Required Expertise:
- B2B sales experience (construction equipment or event services preferred)
- Relationship building in Italian business environment
- Understanding of rental business models
- Comfortable with early-stage ambiguity and iteration
- Italian native speaker, English proficiency helpful
Target Customer Segments:
- Luxury Events: High-end catering, weddings, corporate events
- Construction Sites: Regional construction companies, infrastructure projects
- Emergency Services: Civil defense, disaster relief organizations (future)
Initial Contact Network (from Business Plan):
- Construction companies with founder connections (Genoa, Varese regions)
- Event services through personal network
- Cold outreach to complementary industries
Compensation:
- Risk Class: First-Order to Demand-Led (hybrid)
- Early Phase: 5% equity for market validation and first sales
- Scaling Phase: 15% of weekly gross profit for rental service operations
- Flexibility: Can negotiate mix of equity vs. profit share
Marketing & Online Presence
Primary Responsibilities:
- Website design and content creation (Quartz-based platform)
- Email marketing campaigns
- Online advertising strategy (targeted platforms, YouTube, industry sites)
- Social media presence and content
- Brand positioning and messaging
- Customer testimonials and case study development
Required Expertise:
- Digital marketing and content creation
- Web design (Quartz or similar static site generators valuable)
- B2B marketing experience preferred
- Visual design and storytelling skills
- SEO and online advertising platforms
Why This Matters: Luna’s competitive advantage requires effective communication. Potential customers must understand the quality and cost benefits. Website and marketing materials are critical for both direct sales and attracting startup funding.
Compensation:
- Risk Class: First-Order Need
- Equity: 5% for initial website and launch campaign
- Ongoing: Potential retainer or profit-share for continued marketing
Production & Operations
Production Coordinator
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manage Luna assembly from raw materials to finished product
- Quality control procedures and testing protocols
- Helium filling and testing processes
- Mylar gore sealing (heat sealing technique)
- Frame assembly and electronics integration
- Inventory management and supplier coordination
Required Expertise:
- Manufacturing or production management experience
- Quality assurance background
- Attention to detail and process documentation
- Comfortable with hands-on technical work
- Ability to train and manage production team members
Scaling Potential: Initially hands-on assembly, but will transition to training others and managing production facility as demand grows.
Compensation:
- Risk Class: First-Order (initial production) then Demand-Led
- Initial: 10% of Q1-Q2 gross profit for first production run
- Scaling: 15% of weekly gross profit for ongoing production management
Administrative & Financial
CFO / Financial Operations
Primary Responsibilities:
- Financial planning and cash flow management
- Fundraising strategy and investor relations
- Navigate Italian startup tax incentives (Regime Forfettario €85K threshold)
- Startup hub applications (TUM, EIT Manufacturing)
- Grant applications and compliance
- Contract negotiation and vendor management
Required Expertise:
- Finance or accounting background
- Italian business law and tax regulations knowledge
- Startup fundraising experience valuable
- Comfortable with early-stage financials and projections
- European grant programs knowledge helpful
Growth Funding: After initial €85K revenue threshold, significant funding will be needed for scaling. CFO will lead capital raising from VCs, grants, and strategic partners.
Compensation:
- Risk Class: First and Second-Order (hybrid)
- Equity: 5% for financial strategy and early operations
- Bonus: Success-based bonuses for fundraising milestones
How to Apply
For All Positions
We are looking for co-founders and early team members who:
- ✅ Believe in Luna’s mission and market potential
- ✅ Are comfortable with startup uncertainty and iteration
- ✅ Can contribute immediately with relevant expertise
- ✅ Are excited by equity compensation and ownership
- ✅ Can collaborate within the ColivingLiguria ecosystem
Application Process
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Review Documentation: Read Luna overview, technical docs, and business plan
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Visit ColivingLiguria: See ColivingLiguria for Startups and Cofounders for ecosystem details
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Contact Us: Reach out via contact page with:
- Your relevant experience and expertise
- Why you’re interested in Luna specifically
- Your preferred role and contribution timeline
- Any questions about the project or terms
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Meeting: Initial discussion with founder to explore fit
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Proposal: If aligned, we’ll create a specific equity and responsibility proposal
Collaboration Structure
All collaborators work within the Luna Project legal entity:
- Equity Vesting: Most equity awards vest over time based on deliverables
- Shareholder Voting: Major decisions by shareholder majority
- Organic Growth: Prefer adding roles as genuinely needed vs. premature hiring
- Location Flexible: Core technical work can be remote; production requires Liguria presence
- ColivingLiguria Integration: Access to shared workspace, housing, and community support
Current Founder
- Role: Founder & Chief Engineer
- Current Equity: ~90% (before co-founder dilution)
- Responsibilities: Overall technical leadership, initial capital (€5,000), engineering, software development, business planning, market analysis
Ready to Build the Future of Portable Lighting?
Luna represents a rare opportunity: validated technology, clear market need, patent protection, and initial funding - now seeking the team to bring it to market.
Contact us to discuss how you can be part of this journey.