At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth at a VC-backed startup by building pipeline and closing deals.
- Company: Join an innovative startup transforming the job hunting process.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and access to a vibrant community.
- Other info: Fast-track your career with tailored training and direct access to founders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sales in exciting startups and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Sales experience or customer-facing roles; proactive recent grads welcome.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 80000 £ per year.
The job hunting process is challenging, so we flipped it on its head. With Jumpstart, high-growth startup sales roles find you. If you're ready to drive growth at a VC-backed startup — building pipeline, closing deals, and shaping how sales gets done — Jumpstart is for you.
We help ambitious salespeople land roles at the UK's most exciting VC-backed startups and ensure they thrive. Here's how it works:
- Sales roles in fast-growing startups — tired of scouring jobs boards and unanswered applications? Get exclusive access to a curated list of top startup sales roles and receive a response on your applications within days.
- Founders pitch to you — pre-recorded video pitches from founders bring roles & a startup to life so you can ensure it's a great fit.
- Connect directly with founders — apply to startups and receive applications from startups who want to chat to you. No recruiters — just direct access to hiring teams.
- 1:1 interview training & support — tailored prep with startup sales leaders so you can go into every interview with confidence.
- Ongoing career growth — landing a role is only the start of your journey with Jumpstart. You'll join the Jumpstart community and gain access to all the tools you need to succeed.
On average, it takes ~4 weeks to land an offer and you can do the process alongside your current role.
The roles depend on the startup, but common roles on our sales stream include:
- Founding SDR / Founding BDR — join a startup at a critical stage and build the top of the sales funnel from the ground up.
- Founding Sales Associate — work directly with the founder to build the first sales motion, own early revenue, and shape how the business grows.
- SDR / BDR — prospect, qualify, and generate pipeline for a high-growth startup, converting outreach into real opportunities.
- Account Executive — own the full sales cycle from qualified opportunity to close, running demos, negotiations, and driving revenue.
- Partnerships Executive — identify, build, and scale strategic partnerships that create new revenue channels and unlock growth.
- AI Sales Executive — use AI tools to prospect smarter, personalise outreach at scale, and sell AI-native products to tech-forward buyers.
Salary range: £40–80K OTE + equity (DOE). ~50% of roles are not advertised elsewhere.
Is Jumpstart right for me? We look for people with one of the following backgrounds:
- Direct sales experience (~1–5 years) in a startup or high-growth tech company — SDR, BDR, AE, or similar.
- Sales-adjacent or customer-facing experience (~1–3 years) — recruitment, teaching, estate agency, fundraising, partnerships, hospitality, or similar.
- Proactive recent grads — tell us about your side hustles, sporting achievements, the targets you've exceeded, and that difficult customer you successfully managed.
- AI & automations whizz — you use AI tools to prospect, enrich data, and move faster than the competition.
More importantly, we want to know about your side hustles, sporting achievements, the targets you've exceeded, and your drive to build a career in startups.
Founding Sales Development Representative at VC Backed Startup (£40-80K OTE) employer: Jumpstart UK
Jumpstart is an exceptional employer for those looking to thrive in the dynamic world of VC-backed startups. With a focus on career growth, our unique approach connects ambitious sales professionals directly with founders, offering tailored interview training and access to a vibrant community that fosters mentorship and ongoing development. Join us to not only build your skills but also shape the future of sales in innovative companies across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Sales Development Representative at VC Backed Startup (£40-80K OTE)
✨Get Involved in Startup Events
Dive into the local startup scene! Attend pitch nights, hackathons, and networking events. It's a great way to meet founders and like-minded folks. Plus, you never know who might put in a good word for you at a startup like Jumpstart UK!
✨Show Off Your Creativity
Startups love unique ideas! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your past projects, especially those relevant to startups. This personal touch can really make you stand out when you're applying for that full-time gig at Jumpstart UK.
✨Leverage Startup Communities Online
Get active on platforms such as Indie Hackers, Startup Grind, or even LinkedIn groups focused on startups. Participating in discussions can increase your visibility and open up potential job leads, especially at buzzing companies like Jumpstart UK.
✨Direct Applications are Your Best Bet
Don't shy away from applying directly through our website. Startups often check their own portals first before other job sites. Tailor your application to show how you can add value to Jumpstart UK — a personal touch goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Sales Development Representative at VC Backed Startup (£40-80K OTE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:When applying for a role in startups and entrepreneurship, it's crucial to highlight any experience you have with starting your own projects or businesses. We love seeing examples of your initiative, so sprinkle in stories of how you’ve taken risks or solved problems creatively—this is what makes you stand out!
Tailor Your CV for Impact:In the startup world, your CV should reflect not just your experience, but the impact you've made. Use quantifiable achievements to show your contributions, like percentage increases in growth or revenue. Remember, we’re looking for go-getters who know how to get results!
Craft a Provocative Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a chance to showcase your passion and motivation for working at Jumpstart UK. Don't just list your skills—share your vision and what excites you about the entrepreneurial journey. Connect your personal aspirations with what we need, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep Your Portfolio Handy:If you have a portfolio showcasing any past projects or entrepreneurial efforts, definitely mention it in your application. Though not always necessary for full-time roles, it can provide us with deeper insights into your work style and creativity. If you have a blog, products, or any innovation, we'd love to see it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jumpstart UK
✨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
In startups, they love seeing passion and initiative. Be ready to share any personal projects or ideas you've worked on. This shows you’re not just about the 9-to-5, but you’re invested in creating value, which is key in this fast-paced environment.
✨Brush Up on Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to be thrown some curveballs during the interview—startups often face unexpected challenges. Having a couple of examples up your sleeve where you’ve creatively solved problems will really impress them. It's all about how you think on your feet!
✨Know Your Stuff About the Industry
Since you're applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to see you've done your homework. Make sure you understand where the startup stands in its industry, including competitors and market trends. It’s a great way to show you're genuinely interested and can contribute from day one.
✨Show Flexibility and Adaptability
Startups can pivot quickly, so highlight your adaptability. Share examples of when you've successfully navigated change or taken on roles outside your comfort zone. This shows you’re ready for whatever comes your way, which is crucial in a startup atmosphere!