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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and own the sales pipeline from scratch in a fast-paced AI startup.
- Company: Join a high-growth, VC-backed AI startup with a technical edge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, equity, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Perfect for self-starters who thrive in ambiguity and want to build something amazing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sales in a groundbreaking tech company and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in new business sales and ability to engage technical stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a high-growth, VC-backed AI startup tackling one of the most complex challenges in enterprise technology today. This is a business at Series A stage, backed by top-tier investors, with a deeply technical product and strong early traction across enterprise customers. They’re now building out their go-to-market function from the ground up and are looking for founding Account Executives to help define and scale revenue.
The Opportunity
This is not a typical AE role. You’ll be joining as one of the first dedicated sales hires, working directly with leadership to build pipeline, close deals, and shape the entire sales motion. There’s no playbook - you’ll be helping to create it. If you’re someone who thrives in early-stage environments, enjoys autonomy, and wants real ownership in building something from scratch, this is a rare opportunity.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Building a pipeline from zero through outbound, network, and strategic outreach
- Owning the full sales cycle end-to-end: discovery, demo, pilot, negotiation, and close
- Selling into technical stakeholders (CTO, CIO, VP Engineering, IT Ops)
- Running consultative, technically credible conversations without heavy reliance on pre-sales
- Designing and closing pilot-led deals (typically landing smaller and expanding quickly)
- Working closely with leadership and product to shape messaging, positioning, and GTM strategy
- Feeding back real customer insight to influence product development
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in net new business sales (true hunting role)
- Strong track record of self-sourcing pipeline and closing deals independently
- Experience selling into technical buyers (CTO, CIO, Engineering, IT)
- Ability to run deep, credible technical discovery conversations solo
- Background in enterprise SaaS, AI, or highly technical products
- Comfortable in early-stage environments — ambiguity, pace, and building from scratch
- Track record of owning full-cycle sales without reliance on SDRs or large support teams
What Won’t Work
- AEs heavily reliant on account management, renewals, or expansion revenue
- Sellers used to large support structures (SDRs, SEs driving deals)
- Those uncomfortable with hands-on prospecting and full ownership of deals
- Candidates unable to clearly articulate specific, verifiable deal wins
Nice to Have
- Experience selling into IT operations, ITSM, or service management environments
- Exposure to technical founder-led sales environments
- Familiarity with complex enterprise workflows and operational systems
Founding Account Executive employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
Contact Detail:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Account Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their product, mission, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss your past successes in detail, especially how you've sourced and closed deals independently. Show them you’re the hunter they need!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Account Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hunting Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in net new business sales. We want to see how you've successfully sourced and closed deals independently, so share those specific wins that demonstrate your hunting prowess!
Speak Their Language: Since you'll be selling to technical stakeholders, it's crucial to showcase your ability to have credible conversations with them. Use examples from your past where you’ve engaged with CTOs or CIOs to show us you can hold your own in those discussions.
Embrace the Chaos: We’re looking for someone who thrives in early-stage environments. In your application, let us know how you've navigated ambiguity and built something from scratch before. This will help us see if you're a good fit for our fast-paced startup culture.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Take the time to tailor your application to our specific needs. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to align their skills and experiences with what we’re looking for, so make it personal!
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the AI startup's product thoroughly. Dive into its features, benefits, and how it solves complex challenges for enterprise customers. This will help you engage in credible conversations with technical stakeholders during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Conversations
Since you'll be selling to CTOs and CIOs, brush up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss how the product integrates with existing systems and the value it brings. Practising mock interviews with a friend can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Showcase Your Hunting Skills
Highlight your experience in building pipelines from scratch. Prepare specific examples of how you've sourced leads and closed deals independently. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in an early-stage environment where autonomy is key.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
In a startup, things can change rapidly. Share instances where you've successfully navigated ambiguity or adapted to new challenges. This will show that you're comfortable in fast-paced environments and ready to contribute to shaping the sales strategy.