Roles & People
Entrepreneur in Residence
Also Known As
EIRFounder in ResidenceExecutive in Residence
An Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) is an experienced professional, often a former founder, who joins a venture studio or VC firm to evaluate opportunities, develop ideas, and potentially lead a new portfolio company as CEO.
What is an Entrepreneur in Residence?
An EIR is typically a proven entrepreneur who partners with a venture studio during a transitional period. They may be between companies, exploring new ideas, or looking for the right opportunity to build again—but want the support and resources of a studio.
EIR Responsibilities
- Ideation: Generate and evaluate new business concepts
- Validation: Test and refine promising ideas
- Due Diligence: Evaluate external opportunities
- Mentorship: Advise existing portfolio companies
- Network Building: Connect studio to potential partners/customers
- Company Leadership: Lead a spin-out as CEO/founder
EIR Compensation
| Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $100K - $250K |
| Duration | 6-18 months |
| Founder Equity | 5-15% of company they lead |
| Studio Equity | Sometimes participation |
EIR vs Traditional Founder
| Aspect | EIR | Solo Founder |
|---|---|---|
| Idea Source | Studio + EIR | Founder |
| Initial Capital | Provided | Must raise |
| Support | Built-in | Must build |
| Equity | Lower (studio takes share) | Higher (but harder) |
| Risk | Reduced | Higher |
Example Usage
“After selling her last company, she joined High Alpha as an Entrepreneur in Residence to find her next opportunity.”
Real World Examples
High AlphaAtomicPioneer Square Labs