At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch of a mental health marketplace and shape its operational strategy.
- Company: Mind Friend, a mission-driven platform connecting users with therapists.
- Benefits: Equity, modest salary, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible location and travel required; ideal for those seeking meaningful work.
- Why this job: Be a founding member and help revolutionise mental health support.
- Qualifications: Experience in startups, operations, and fundraising; passion for mental health.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Company: Mind Friend
Location: UK / Sweden Europe
Type: Full-Time
Sector: Mental Health, HealthTech, Marketplace, AI-enabled Digital Platform
Compensation: Equity + monthly stipend (transitioning to full salary post-funding)
Mind Friend is a psychology and mental health marketplace platform designed to connect service users with qualified therapists and mental health professionals.
This is a founding role. The base salary is modest and intentionally so the meaningful upside is in equity and in what we build together. We're looking for someone who is here because they believe in the vision, not because of the paycheck. If salary is your primary driver, this isn't the right role for you, and that's okay.
We're also looking for someone genuinely flexible. The business will need you to relocate and travel as circumstances demand to be where the team, the partners, or the opportunities are. You should be at a point in life where that mobility is a feature, not a friction.
About Mind Friend: Mind Friend is a psychology platform and marketplace connecting therapists with service users making quality mental health support easier to find, access and trust. We're not starting from zero. Our product is built and ready to launch, we already have users on the platform, and we have early data and traction to show what's working. What we need now is a founding operator to help us launch cleanly, scale, and raise.
The Opportunity: We're looking for a hands-on builder to step in at this critical pre-launch moment and own the operational, technical and strategic backbone of the business. You'll work directly with the founders to make sure we launch without legal, technical, or operational missteps and then help us scale and fundraise off the traction we've already built. This is a founding seat. You won't be inheriting a playbook; you'll be writing it.
The right person will bring strong experience in startup execution, technology or AI product development, marketplace operations, team management, fundraising preparation, and operational risk management. You will work closely with the founder and wider team to organise the business, manage key launch priorities, coordinate people and processes, oversee operational and technical readiness, and help ensure that Mind Friend launches in a professional, compliant, and scalable way. This role is ideal for someone who has been part of an early-stage startup before, preferably in healthtech, AI, SaaS, marketplaces, mental health, wellbeing, or another regulated sector.
Requirements: The ideal person will have experience in one or more of the following roles: COO, Chief of Staff, Head of Operations, Head of Product, General Manager, Startup Advisor, Venture Builder, or similar.
What You'll Do:
- Lead end-to-end launch readiness: operational processes, technical roadmap, compliance, vendor selection, and go-to-market execution
- Own the technical and product strategy — translating the founders' vision into a delivery plan with engineers, designers and external partners
- Build the regulatory and legal foundation for a healthcare-adjacent marketplace (data protection, therapist verification, clinical governance, safeguarding, terms of service)
- Set up internal systems and team structure — hiring, workflows, tooling, performance management
- Drive fundraising alongside the founders: investor materials, financial models, data room, pipeline management, due diligence
- Help shape and tell the company story to investors, partners, clinicians and early users
- Be the person who keeps the trains running — and decides which trains we're building
Who You Are:
- Startup veteran. You've helped build a company from early stage to scale — ideally as a founder, COO, head of operations, or chief of staff in a fast-growing startup
- Tech or AI background at leadership level. You can hold your own in technical conversations, evaluate engineering decisions, and ideally have experience with AI products or tech-enabled marketplaces
- Operator's mindset. You're equally comfortable in a spreadsheet, a board meeting, a product spec and a hiring panel
- Fundraising experience. You've been in the room for pre-seed, seed or Series A raises and know what investors look for
- Mission-driven. You believe in the importance of mental health and want to spend the next several years building something that matters. Salary alone is not your motivation — equity, ownership, and impact are
- Geographically flexible. Willing to travel and relocate as the business demands
- Calm in chaos. You bring order to fast-moving environments and don't need someone above you to tell you what to do
Important: Please do not send a generic application. Your CV or cover letter must clearly show your achievements in startups, management, fundraising, product launch, technology, AI, operations, or scaling. Please explain what you can bring to Mind Friend and why you are suitable for this role. We will only respond to complete applications that clearly demonstrate relevant experience and fit.
To apply, please send your CV or LinkedIn profile with a short, specific cover letter explaining your experience and what you would bring to Mind Friend.
Benefits: What We Offer
- A modest founding salary and meaningful equity in a mission-led company
- A live product with real users and early traction not a blank page
- A seat at the table from day zero your fingerprints will be on everything
- Reputable name with mental health professionals
Founding Head of Operations HealthTech / AI / Mental Health in London employer: Mind Friend
Mind Friend is an exceptional employer for those passionate about mental health and technology, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of a pioneering platform. With a focus on equity and meaningful impact rather than just salary, employees are encouraged to grow alongside the company in a flexible, mission-driven environment that values innovation and collaboration. Located in the vibrant UK/Sweden region, Mind Friend provides a dynamic workplace where your contributions will directly influence the success of a vital service in the mental health sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Head of Operations HealthTech / AI / Mental Health in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the mental health and tech space. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for mental health! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Mind Friend or during interviews, make sure to express why this mission matters to you. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your skills! Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully launched products or scaled operations in previous roles. Use metrics and outcomes to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and what you can bring to Mind Friend. Make it personal and specific!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Head of Operations HealthTech / AI / Mental Health in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Specific and Personal:When you're crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your unique experiences and achievements. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Mind Friend, so don’t hold back on sharing what makes you the perfect fit!
Show Your Passion:This role is all about belief in the vision, not just the paycheck. Let us know why mental health matters to you and how you can contribute to our mission. A genuine connection to our cause will definitely catch our eye!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid sending a generic application! Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in startups, operations, or fundraising, and explain how you can help us launch and scale Mind Friend.
Follow Our Application Process:To keep things smooth, apply through our website as instructed. Include your CV or LinkedIn profile along with a short cover letter. We’re excited to see your application, but remember, we only respond to complete submissions that clearly demonstrate your fit for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mind Friend
✨Know Your Why
Before stepping into the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to join Mind Friend. This role is all about passion for mental health and building something meaningful. Be ready to articulate your motivation and how it aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Startup Experience
This position requires someone who has been through the startup grind. Prepare specific examples of your past experiences in early-stage companies, especially in healthtech or AI. Highlight your contributions to scaling operations, fundraising, or product launches to demonstrate your fit.
✨Be Ready for Technical Conversations
Since the role involves technical strategy and product development, brush up on relevant tech concepts and be prepared to discuss them. Show that you can engage in meaningful discussions with engineers and understand the nuances of AI products or tech-enabled marketplaces.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Calmness
Mind Friend is looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments. Share examples of how you've managed chaos in previous roles and how your flexibility has helped you adapt to changing circumstances. This will show that you're the right fit for a founding role.
