Application Guide

How to Apply for Co-Founder

at Lens Academy

🏢 About Lens Academy

Lens Academy is a nonprofit dedicated to scalable superintelligence existential risk education, aiming to educate thousands on AI safety at under $10 per student. It's a mission-driven startup where you can directly tackle one of humanity's most pressing challenges.

About This Role

As Co-Founder, you'll shape the platform from scratch, choosing your focus area (e.g., strategy, product, development) based on your strengths. Your work will directly impact how effectively AI safety knowledge reaches a global audience, making this a high-leverage role for someone passionate about existential risk.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a morning sync with Luc to prioritize tasks, then deep work on your chosen focus (e.g., coding a prototype, designing a marketing campaign, or drafting a fundraising pitch). Afternoons could include user research or community outreach, ending with reviewing metrics and planning next steps.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Lens Academy Is Looking For

  • A technical or non-technical generalist who thrives in a fast-paced, independent environment and can adapt to shifting priorities.
  • Proven skills in at least one of: strategy, product, development, design, marketing, community management, or fundraising—with a track record of delivering results.
  • Deeply motivated by AI safety and existential risk, with a willingness to work for equity in a nonprofit startup.
  • A collaborative partner who can divide responsibilities with founder Luc based on complementary skills and interests.

📝 Tips for Applying to Lens Academy

1

Tailor your application to explicitly state which area (strategy, product, development, etc.) you'd focus on and why you're strong there.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of AI safety and existential risk—mention specific concepts or frameworks (e.g., alignment, AGI timelines).

3

Highlight any experience building scalable systems or platforms, especially in education or nonprofits.

4

Show you can work independently by describing a project you led from concept to execution with minimal supervision.

5

Be transparent about your motivations and expectations for a co-founder role, including commitment level and equity preferences.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain why you're passionate about AI safety and how Lens Academy's mission aligns with your personal values.", "Describe your specific skills and how they'll contribute to building a scalable education platform (e.g., if you're a developer, talk about cost-effective tech solutions).", 'Mention your experience working in a startup or founding role, emphasizing adaptability and resourcefulness.', 'Express your interest in co-creating with Luc and how your strengths complement his.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about AI safety and existential risk from sources like MIRI, FHI, or 80,000 Hours to understand the context.
  • → Study Lens Academy's current website and any public materials to grasp their vision and progress.
  • → Look into scalable education models (e.g., MOOCs, Duolingo) for inspiration on cost-effective delivery.
  • → Research Luc's background (founder) to understand his strengths and how you might complement them.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 What is your understanding of superintelligence existential risk, and why is education a key mitigation strategy?
2 How would you approach scaling education to thousands of students for under $10 per student?
3 Describe a time you had to choose a focus area for a project—how did you decide, and what was the outcome?
4 How do you handle ambiguity and fast-changing priorities in a startup environment?
5 What role (strategy, product, development, etc.) do you see yourself in, and what specific contributions can you make?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't apply without a genuine interest in AI safety—this is a mission-driven role, not a generic startup.
  • Avoid being vague about your skills—be specific about what you bring and how it fits the role.
  • Don't underestimate the commitment required for a co-founder position; be ready for long hours and equity compensation.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Lens Academy!

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