How to apply for Co-Founder

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 the 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 typical day

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.

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 this application

• Tailor your application to explicitly state which area (strategy, product, development, etc.) you'd focus on and why you're strong there.
• Demonstrate your understanding of AI safety and existential risk—mention specific concepts or frameworks (e.g., alignment, AGI timelines).
• Highlight any experience building scalable systems or platforms, especially in education or nonprofits.
• Show you can work independently by describing a project you led from concept to execution with minimal supervision.
• Be transparent about your motivations and expectations for a co-founder role, including commitment level and equity preferences.

What to cover 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.']

Research before applying

• 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.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

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

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.