About Wilbur Labs

Wilbur Labs is a startup studio turning bold ideas into market-leading companies. We identify big customer pain points and build businesses to solve these problems. We work with industry leaders to manage the company and continue to provide funding, shared resources, and operational support to ensure management is focused on solving problems that matter. Since 2016, we have built and invested in 21+ technology companies, including VacationRenter, Vitabox, Joblist, Barkbus, OpenMedicare, Cincy Brands, and plan to launch several new companies over the next year.

Building a company is typically a rare, one-time event. Some people even refer to it as trying to “bottle lightning.” At Wilbur Labs, it’s a repeatable and systematized process. Turning a bold idea into a business is what we do – over and over.

As an Entrepreneur In Residence, you’ll work closely with the Wilbur Labs founders and studio team to co-found and scale one of our next portfolio companies. You either have a specific idea you want to work on, or are interested in working together on identifying an opportunity in an area you have deep expertise in. Together, we’ll research, plan, and turn that idea into a market-leading company.

We offer founder equity, and competitive salaries, with top-notch benefits and perks.

Role & Responsibilities

Lead research through consultations with industry experts and potential customers
Define go-to-market strategy for the company
Develop a financial model in support of the business
Own core company functions including product, growth, and business development, for initial phases of the business
Partner closely with Wilbur Labs and studio advisors

Minimum Qualifications

Self-starter who will thrive in an ambiguous startup environment

Preferred Qualifications & Prior Experience

Prior startup founder or experience working at an early-stage company
Demonstrated experience building products and leading teams
Obsessed with a particular problem you are interested in solving

About the company

Wilbur Labs identifies big customer pain points and builds companies from the ground up in San Francisco. After validating ideas in a lab, it places industry-leading executives with domain expertise to run the company, while the studio provides funding, resources, and operational support to keep the team focused on solving real problems. It differentiates itself by combining company-building with ongoing investment through a venture arm and by offering hands-on governance and a continuous stream of new ventures. Its goal is to turn bold ideas into market-leading companies that address real needs and create value through building, funding, and investing in new ventures.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

$120K

Headquarters

Miami, Florida

Founded

2016

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Joblist's 2026 acquisition by BOLD validates Wilbur Labs' company-building model.
Barkbus joining forces with Groombuggy shows portfolio consolidation and continued asset monetization.
The 2026 Failure Report gives Wilbur Labs fresh founder data for tighter venture selection.

What critics are saying

Wilbur Labs depends on a few breakout exits; another weak cohort damages returns quickly.
The 2026 Failure Report highlights AI disruption, a direct threat to studio-built software bets.
If exits stall after Joblist's 2026 sale, founder recruiting weakens fast.

What makes Wilbur Labs unique

Wilbur Labs owns startup creation end-to-end, not just capital, since 2016.
Barkbus and Joblist exits prove the studio can build sellable companies.
Kieran Campbell became Managing Director in 2025, reinforcing operating depth and continuity.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Wellness Program
Gym Membership
Professional Development Budget

Company News

Fast Company

Jul 20th, 2023

How Wilbur Labs builds for long-term durability

Companies built at Wilbur Labs get to tap into a team of experts, and the learnings compounded over the last seven years—something the team calls “studio knowledge.”

Crunchbase

May 11th, 2023

Even In The Best Times Most Startups Will Fail: Here’s How to Beat the Odds Today

It's tough out there. Here are some startup survival tips.

Wilbur Labs

Entrepreneur In Residence

About the job