At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to build a groundbreaking app that fosters genuine friendships.
- Company: Arou, a fast-growing community focused on meaningful connections.
- Benefits: Equity-only role with full ownership and a voice in decisions.
- Other info: Work with a dynamic founding team and enjoy flexible hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on tackling loneliness and shaping the future of friendship.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering and a passion for community building.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
About Arou
Over the last six months, Arou has grown into a fast-growing community and a new way for adults to make real friends. We’re now turning that into a product. Arou places you straight into a small group chat with three people around you - same age, location and similar interests. It’s an instant friendship group that helps people go from zero to talking, quickly. We then give you the tools to actually keep those friendships going, not just start them.
Think WhatsApp meets Tinder BFF (minus the swiping), built for people who want depth, not endless surface-level connections. So far, everything has grown organically. We now have over 1,500 community members, and 1,200+ TikTok followers, all through word of mouth. We’ve been deliberately testing different audiences and channels - including a 500-person WhatsApp community - to understand what drives genuine connection and sustainable growth before launch. We know our customers.
The Role
We’re building our founding team and looking for a thoughtful, ambitious engineer who wants to ship fast, learn relentlessly, and help shape the future of how people make friends.
Who You Are
- You have a drive to build products that genuinely improve people’s lives.
- You care deeply about community and connection.
- You’re product-minded and commercial - you want to build something people love and that works as a business.
- You use AI as a force multiplier.
- You have a strong bar for quality, but you’re fast - you know when to ship and iterate.
- You’re pragmatic, and curious.
- You’ve got experience as a software engineer (we’re using React Native/Firebase for our MVP, but we value mindset over specific stack).
- You’re calm under pressure, motivated by purpose, and enjoy collaborating with passionate, driven people.
Commitment & Equity
This is an equity-only role. Everyone on the founding team currently has full-time roles, so this is treated as a passion project - we work evenings or weekends (when we can), with weekly syncs to stay aligned and move fast. You’ll have full ownership from day one, a real voice in product and technical decisions, and the opportunity to shape something that will impact millions. You should be excited about building something of your own.
Why Join
- You’ll help build a product that tackles one of the biggest modern challenges: loneliness.
- You’ll join our team at Day 1, right as we launch our MVP - this has the potential to change so many lives.
- You’ll work alongside a founding team who are building at some of the most exciting, fast-growing startups across People, Product, Engineering and Operations.
- You’ll be part of a small, close-knit founding team with ambition, heart, and a bias for action.
If this sounds exciting, drop us a note at hello@arou.app or share your CV - we’ll grab a virtual coffee to chat.
Founding Engineer - Volunteer (Equity Only) in Glasgow employer: Arou
Arou is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the realm of community and connection. As a founding engineer, you'll join a passionate team dedicated to tackling loneliness through innovative technology, with the unique opportunity to shape a product from its inception. The collaborative work culture fosters personal growth and creativity, allowing you to take ownership of your contributions while working alongside driven individuals in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Engineer - Volunteer (Equity Only) in Glasgow
✨Join Local Startup Communities
Check out local meetups and networking events focused on startups. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting entrepreneurs and finding volunteer opportunities. Plus, you get to build connections that might lead to something bigger down the line!
✨Get Involved with Incubators and Accelerators
Many incubators and accelerators are always in need of volunteers. Reach out to them and offer your skills! This not only gives you hands-on experience, but also exposes you to a bunch of startups that might need a helping hand.
✨Use Social Media to Showcase Your Passion
Leverage platforms like Twitter or Instagram to share your thoughts on startups, entrepreneurship, and any relevant projects you’ve worked on. This can grab the attention of founders looking for passionate volunteers and help us build a vibrant community!
✨Apply Directly Through Startups’ Websites
Don’t hesitate to dive into the websites of startups you admire and check their 'Join Us' or 'Opportunities' sections. Many of them appreciate proactive volunteers who reach out directly and express their enthusiasm for their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Engineer - Volunteer (Equity Only) in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Startups:In your application, let us know why you're excited about startups and entrepreneurship. Share any personal projects, side hustles, or even ideas you've been working on. We want to see that spark and enthusiasm to help drive our mission forward!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience:Even though this is a volunteer role, it's important to showcase your skills that are relevant to the startup environment. Think about any experience in project management, marketing, or fundraising. These skills can make you stand out in our minds and show us how you can contribute!
Tailor Your CV to the Startup Vibe:Your CV should reflect the dynamic nature of startups. Let your personality shine through by using a modern format and including not just your qualifications but also your interests or any entrepreneurial initiatives. We appreciate creativity and originality!
Commitment Matters, So Be Clear:For a volunteer position, it's essential to indicate your availability and commitment. Talk about how much time you can dedicate to our projects and be honest about your schedule. We want enthusiastic people, but we also need to know you can stick around for a while to make a real impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arou
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
When interviewing for a volunteer position in a startup, it's crucial to express your enthusiasm for their mission and goals. Share experiences where you’ve contributed to innovative projects or how your problem-solving skills came into play in dynamic environments. Remember, startups thrive on passion and a willingness to take risks!
✨Be Ready for 'Start-Up' Style Questions
Expect questions that dig into your adaptability and creativity. Startups often face unexpected challenges, so be ready to discuss times you navigated ambiguity or turned a setback into a learning opportunity. Have some examples up your sleeve that showcase your resourcefulness and resilience!
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
In a startup, teamwork is key! Be prepared to talk about your experiences working in diverse teams. Share how you communicate effectively, handle conflicts, and contribute to a collaborative atmosphere. Highlighting your ability to gel with a small, dedicated team can really garner you some positive attention.
✨Pitch Your Relevant Skills Without Hesitation
As a volunteer, you’ll likely wear many hats! Make sure to showcase any skills that directly relate to the startup's needs. Whether it’s social media savvy, design skills, or even basic coding, don't hold back—frame these as a way you can immediately contribute to Arou. Be bold about what you can bring to the table!
