At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive high-impact projects and support founders in strategic decisions.
- Company: Join a VC-backed AI startup transforming game development.
- Benefits: Equity ownership, flexible hours, and a culture of trust.
- Other info: Work directly with founders in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience building a startup and fast-track your career.
- Qualifications: Self-starter with a growth mindset and passion for problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you want a front-row seat to building a VC-backed AI startup from the inside, working directly with the founders on the highest-leverage problems? Are you energised by ambiguity, real responsibility, and a steep learning curve where no two weeks look the same? Do you want a fast-track path to functional leadership, Chief of Staff, or your own founder journey?
About us
We're an early-stage startup built on a simple belief: game developers should be building worlds, not chasing bugs. We're replacing manual QA with autonomous agents that truly understand gameplay. Our small, focused team combines deep machine learning research with strong commercial execution, driven to solve some of the hardest problems in game development. Just over a year in, we've built category-leading technology, gained real traction, and partnered with some of the world's most storied game studios. We're backed by top-tier investors and incubators, including SVV and EWOR.
The role
This is a high-ownership, high-velocity, zero-to-one role at the heart of how ManaMind operates and grows. You'll work directly with the founding team across strategy, operations, commercial execution, and beyond, turning priorities into action and keeping the company moving fast. No two weeks will look the same. This role is ideal for someone who wants a front-row seat to building a company from the inside, and is energised by ambiguity, real responsibility, and a steep learning curve.
Working pattern: in-person Tuesday–Thursday and on an ad hoc basis, otherwise remote. Some travel abroad may be required.
Key responsibilities
- Own the Big Bets: Own and drive high-impact cross‑functional projects end‑to‑end, from GTM to product launches to operational infrastructure.
- Power the Founders: Support founders in strategic decisions, investor communications, and board materials.
- Build the Engine: Build and improve internal systems such as workflows, tooling, reporting, and processes that scale.
- Drive Momentum: Support sales execution: outreach, CRM management, partnerships, and deal coordination.
- Be a Voice, not an Echo: Join customer calls, synthesise feedback, and translate it into actionable product input.
You're a good fit if you...
- You thrive in ambiguity, switch contexts without losing momentum, and care obsessively about getting things done well. You're equally comfortable in a strategy doc or a messy spreadsheet, and you treat every new type of work as an opportunity rather than a threat.
- Are a self‑starter: You don't need a perfect brief to get started, and you proactively find problems to solve. You thrive on creating and managing efficient, repeatable processes.
- Are a natural Jack‑of‑all‑Trades: You're equally comfortable in a strategy doc and a messy spreadsheet, have experience managing complex processes, and aim to automate everything for scale. New types of work energise rather than scare you.
- Value true craftsmanship: You have a deep‑seeded need to produce excellent work and are comfortable being the final decision‑maker on what meets our standards of craftsmanship and quality.
- Have a growth mindset: You have a desire to learn quicker than most people. You learn new skills fast and implement them even faster.
- Bonus: You enjoy games or complex interactive systems: You don't have to be a hardcore gamer, but you're genuinely curious about how interactive experiences are built, broken, and tested; and you like the idea of agents learning to navigate them.
What's on offer
- High trust, high impact: ship real product fast, work directly with founders.
- Equity: Meaningful equity ownership. You'll share in the upside you help create.
- Flexible hours, and a culture built on trust and output.
Get on board. Apply now. Think you have the skill and drive to thrive in this role? We can’t wait to meet you and get a taste of your work.
Founder's Associate employer: ManaMind
At ManaMind, we offer an exceptional opportunity for growth and impact as a Founder's Associate in a dynamic VC-backed AI startup. Our culture thrives on trust, flexibility, and innovation, allowing you to work closely with founders on high-leverage projects while enjoying meaningful equity ownership. Join us in revolutionising game development and experience a steep learning curve in a fast-paced environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder's Associate
✨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 ManaMind!
✨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 ManaMind.
✨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 ManaMind.
✨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 ManaMind — a personal touch goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Founder's Associate
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 ManaMind. 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 ManaMind
✨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!
