At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical direction and architecture of an innovative AI insurance platform.
- Company: Join Malcolm, a pioneering tech startup transforming insurance distribution.
- Benefits: Meaningful co-founder stake with long-term ownership potential.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a fast-paced, early-stage environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in insurance and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in building production systems and leading engineering teams.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Malcolm is building the infrastructure layer for AI-powered insurance distribution: the system that sits between AI agents and insurer APIs, making conversational flows reliable, compliant, and production ready.
We’re live with Aviva, we have a small engineering team in place, and we have a clear vision of what we’re working towards.
We’re looking for a technical co-founder to take ownership of where we go from here.
THE PROBLEMInsurance distribution is changing.
The incumbent channel - a price comparison site, a form, and a decision tree, has been dominant for 20 years - but that won’t be the case forever.
Not because chatbots are a game-changer in themselves, but because a genuine agent-led flow - one that collects precise, validated data through a natural conversation - can deliver better data quality, a better quote, and a better customer experience than any form ever could.
Malcolm is that infrastructure.
We sit between the AI agent and the insurer’s quoting API, handling the structured conversation, data validation, enrichment, and submission.
WHERE WE AREUncommonly at our stage, we’re live at scale in enterprise with room to grow.
Malcolm is in production with Aviva for Home and Life insurance, operating through MCP (Model Context Protocol) and 1st party chat experiences.
We have a small engineering team, a clear technical roadmap, and a founder who has deep domain and commercial context.
What we don’t yet have is the technical co-founder who will shape the architecture of what this becomes at scale.
That’s the role.
WHAT YOU'LL OWNThis is not a “head of engineering” role with a defined brief.
As CTO and co-founder, you’ll take full ownership of technical direction: Define the architecture of the multi-class, multi-insurer platform - a genuinely interesting infrastructure problem at every layer.
Lead the build of our agent-first orchestration engine: the conversational layer that sits at the heart of Malcolm’s differentiation.
Grow and lead the engineering team (currently 1-3 engineers), hiring deliberately as the roadmap demands.
Work directly with insurer partners on integrations - the commercial context matters here and you’ll be in those conversations.
Be a genuine co-founder partner to the CEO: product strategy, commercial decisions, fundraising narrative.
WHO YOU AREYou’ve built and shipped production systems.
You have strong opinions about architecture and you can defend them.
You can write code and you can lead a team that writes code better than you.
You’re excited by the specific problem here - not just AI in the abstract, but the precise challenge of making LLM-led conversational flows deterministic enough to operate in a regulated financial services context.
You understand why that’s hard.
You want to build a company, not just a product.
You’ll have real input on commercial and product direction, and you’ll find that energising rather than distracting.
You’re London-based, or willing to be.
You’re comfortable with early-stage ambiguity and you know the difference between moving fast and moving carelessly in a regulated industry.
WHAT WE'RE OFFERINGThis is a meaningful co-founder stake.
You should expect to be a long-term owner of the company, not an early employee with options.
The infrastructure layer for AI insurance distribution doesn’t exist yet in any mature form.
Malcolm is already in production.
The window to define what this category looks like - technically and commercially - is open now.
We’re looking for someone who sees that and wants to shape it.
- Department: London Studio
- Type: Full time Location type: Onsite
CTO & Co-Founder in London employer: Founders Factory
Founders Factory is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and personal growth, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their projects while benefiting from mentorship and resources to develop their skills. The unique opportunity to work on impactful digital health and medtech ventures ensures that every team member contributes to meaningful change in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CTO & Co-Founder in London
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Founders Factory). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Founders Factory. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace CTO & Co-Founder in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Founders Factory.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Founders Factory. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Founders Factory
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Founders Factory to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Founders Factory, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Founders Factory's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
