Company Description Shoal is reimagining social media by replacing isolating, algorithm-driven feeds with live, synchronous social experiences. Instead of passive broadcasting, Shoal creates small, high-intimacy rooms where short-form content is consumed and reacted to together in real time. The platform blends the depth of a creator-led content repository with the immediacy of video hangouts, emphasizing co-presence, shared agency, and organic group dynamics. Inspired by the behavior of shoaling fish, Shoal focuses on social cohesion over manipulation, using features like small six-person rooms, group-controlled content skipping, synchronized timelines, and vibe-based matching to create meaningful digital hangouts. Applicants will join an early team building a new social architecture focused on healthier, more connected online experiences.
Role Description As a Founding Partner at Shoal, you will help define the company's strategic direction, product vision, and operating model in a full-time, remote capacity. You will work closely with other founders to design and iterate the Synchronous Social System, collaborating on user experience, engagement mechanics, and platform architecture. Day-to-day activities include setting and refining product roadmaps, engaging directly with early users, analyzing data and qualitative feedback, and making decisions that shape core features and growth strategies. You will also contribute to fundraising efforts, investor communication, and partnership development, while helping to build the initial team and culture. This role is hands-on, requiring active involvement across product, operations, and go-to-market as Shoal scales from concept to a widely adopted platform.
Qualifications

Product leadership and strategy skills, including experience defining product vision, roadmaps, and feature prioritization for consumer or social platforms.
Experience with early-stage startups, such as founding, co-founding, or holding a senior leadership role in a high-growth environment.
Strong understanding of social media, online communities, or real-time communication tools, with insight into user behavior and engagement dynamics.
Ability to collaborate across design, engineering, and operations, with a track record of working effectively in cross-functional teams.
Comfort with fundraising, investor relations, and strategic partnerships, or willingness to grow into these responsibilities.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and decision-making skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
High level of ownership, adaptability, and resilience typical of founding roles, including readiness to operate in ambiguity and iterate quickly.
Experience with remote collaboration tools and practices, and the ability to work effectively in a distributed team.
Background in product management, engineering, design, or growth for consumer technology products is strongly beneficial.
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Angel Investor

Angel Investor