For us, representing the right startup founders matters more than closing every open role. VCs place their bets before the market catches on - we do the same before we ever make an introduction. The right startups are rarer than the right talent, and this role exists to find them.
The Role
Every VC runs diligence before writing a check. We do the same before we ever pitch a candidate on a startup. Your job is to build that diligence engine - spotting which early-stage companies have the founders, the problem, the funding runway, and the talent bar that make them worth our time and our candidates careers.
This isn't research from the sidelines. It's a seat at the table-shaping which startups get access to exceptional talent.
What You'll Own
- Build and run a screening framework for startups - founder pedigree, problem depth, funding quality, hiring roadmap, and talent density - the same signals investors use before they invest capital
- Track the startup ecosystem across DeepTech, AI, semiconductors, and enterprise software to surface companies before they're obvious
- Turn raw signals - job boards, funding data, LinkedIn activity, competitor hiring patterns - into a ranked pipeline of high-potential accounts
- Separate companies with a real hiring roadmap from ones posting jobs they'll never close
- Write sharp, specific outreach that gets founders and hiring leaders to respond, not archive
- Own campaign performance end to end - what's converting, what's dead weight, what to cut
- Partner directly with sales and leadership to turn research into signed accounts, not just reports
What We are Looking For
- 5+ years in market research, lead generation, or talent/VC-adjacent research - staffing and recruiting experience is a strong plus
- You have mastered Sales Navigator and know exactly which data tool lies to you the least
- A real read on the startup ecosystem - you can explain why a Series A company with 40 people might be a better bet than a Series C with 400
- Sharp analytical instincts backed by comfort in Excel and data tools - but judgment first, dashboards second
- Writing that's direct and specific, never generic LinkedIn filler
- Comfortable working independently, owning ambiguity, and making calls without a playbook handed to you
- Able to put together a sharp, convincing case - fast - for why someone shouldn't walk away from a founder's offer
What Makes This Role Different
You will build the lens through which we evaluate every startup we work with - not follow one someone else built. If you would rather find the next standout company before the market notices, we should talk.
[Confidential Information]
