Founding Partner Program

The Founding Partner Program is a 12-month venture-building journey designed for former strategy consultants. The program starts in January 2026, apply before November 30th 2025.

Seb Frendo

THE JOURNEY

1

Cohort of 5-10 Founding Partners

You join an international cohort of 5–10 Founding Partners, growing together while building your own office.

Along the way, you actively share tips, contacts, insights, and expertise, and make new friends.

2

30-50% Time commitment

During the first months, the program requires a 30%–50% time commitment, which will expand as your business develops.

During the first 12 months, you remain freelance and may continue other activities as long as there is no conflict of interest.

3

Business development

Your main focus during the 12-months of the program is business development: building your business, growing your network, and shaping your first pipeline of clients.

4

Remuneration

In the first year, you have no fixed salary. Your income is tied to the projects you sell and deliver. 

If Year 1 is successful, the subsidiary will be created and you will receive 30% equity options along with a fixed and variable salary that will increase as business grows. If the company performs very well, these equity options could be worth up to €1M.

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Our target cities

The first cohort will have 5 to 10 Founding Partners that will be selected from a pre-selective list of 30 cities.

This map is not exhaustive. If your home city isn’t listed, you can still apply and we’ll be happy to consider your application.

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WHAT DWDG WILL OFFER YOU

Our name and track record (150+ references), bringing credibility and off-the-shelf materials

Our expert networks, gathering highly experienced senior experts in fields such as energy, mobility and circular economy

Our consulting team, to ensure the delivery of your projects

Our existing tools and systems to operate efficiently

Administrative, legal, HR, and communications support from our Paris team

Guidance and coaching from our founder Sébastien and other senior partners from MBB firms to make this program a learning journey

WHY JOIN THE PROGRAM

1

Entrepreneurial journey

You’re in the driver’s seat. Own your time, set your strategy, run your business. If you succeed, you take an equity stake in your subsidiary. You discover new topics, you learn how to sell, how to establish a brand….

2

Global & collective adventure

It can be quite lonely to be a freelancer. Join a cohort of founders who share knowledge, networks, and opportunities. Expand your network and make new friends led by the same values.

3

Leveraging DWDG’s assets

With over 150 references, you benefit from DWDG’s experts, partnerships and consulting staff that you can integrate to your projects.

Application Requirements

Past Experience

Minimum of 4 years in a top-tier strategy consulting firm
(McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Roland Berger, or Oliver Wyman)

At least 3 years of sales, entrepreneurial or
business development experience, demonstrating the ability to
convince clients and build a team

Relevant expertise in our core focus areas is a big plus:
mobility, energy, circular economy,
construction, and decarbonation

At least 5 years living in one of our target cities,
with a strong network to leverage

Skills & Mindset

Strong entrepreneurial drive

Committed to spend 30-50% of your time on the program (min 10-12 hours per week)

Aligned with DWDG values and philosophy

Excellent communication skills

Proven leadership and team management abilities

Client-first mindset

Readiness to start immediately (full-time availability not required)

No conflict of interest with current role

STEPS TO APPLY

Apply

Submit your CV before the 30th November 2025. If you pass the initial screening, you’ll receive a password unlocking additional information about the program.

Round 1 – Share your story

In Round 1, you will be asked to record two short videos about yourself and your motivation, then access the full program details including economics and cohort system.

Round 2 – Share your GTM plan

If you pass Round 1, you will have to prepare a short go-to-market plan that you will present to one of our team members.

Round 3 – Interview with the founder

Meet with the DWDG team for the last conversation.

Join the program

Start your journey with a one-week in-person training in Paris, in January 2026 where you will meet your cohort.

Application Form