Founding GTM Account Executive (YC Startup)

About the Company

Our client is a Y Combinator-backed startup in the fast-growing AI tools space, operating from San Francisco with a team of exceptional builders. They've created an AI-powered support agent that automates customer support tickets end-to-end for software companies, learning from the best human agents and integrating seamlessly with tools like Zendesk, Stripe, Retool, Slack, and Linear. With strong customer traction and backing from top-tier investors, they're scaling rapidly and looking for their first sales hire to help shape the future of customer support automation.

The Mission

Transform how software companies deliver customer support by automating complex, high-impact tickets at scale—freeing human teams to focus on what matters most while delivering an experience that's indistinguishable from the best human agents.

The Opportunity

This is your chance to be the first sales hire at a fast-moving YC startup that's already gaining serious momentum. You'll work directly with the founder/CEO, owning the entire sales process from prospecting to close while helping build the go-to-market playbook from scratch. This isn't just about selling—you'll be shaping how they sell, influencing product direction, and playing a key role in the company's growth trajectory. If you're excited about joining something early and making a real impact, this is it.

What You'll Do

• Own the full sales cycle: From identifying target software companies to running discovery calls, technical demos with forward deployed engineers, and closing deals

• Build highly personalized outbound strategies (primarily email-based) targeting CEOs, Operations Leads, and Customer Support Managers at fast-growing companies

• Collaborate closely with engineers to deliver tailored demos and pilots that prove real value to customers

• Shadow founder-led calls initially, then independently run complete sales cycles as you ramp up

• Help create the sales playbook for future hires—you're not just executing, you're building the foundation

• Hit ambitious targets: After ramp-up, expected to close $100,000+ ARR per month

• Be part of building a customer-obsessed sales culture from day one

What You Bring

• 3+ years of sales experience at high-growth startups, ideally with SaaS or technical products

• Full-cycle sales experience with a proven track record of closing enterprise or mid-market deals

• Exceptional communication skills—you can break down complex technical concepts for non-technical buyers and write compelling, personalized outreach

• Experience using AI tools in your daily workflow

• Comfort working with engineers and technical stakeholders

• Strong consultative selling skills, discovery abilities, and presentation skills

• Startup DNA: You thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving environments and love building processes from scratch

Key Success Drivers

• Deep customer curiosity: You're genuinely interested in understanding customer needs and pain points

• High intensity with low ego: You move fast, deliver results, and are open to feedback and learning

• Builder mindset: You're excited about shaping both the sales function and company culture

• Startup conviction: You deliberately want to work at a smaller company, actively seeking the opportunity to have massive impact

• Team-first mentality: You value close collaboration and want to be part of a team that works and builds together

• San Francisco commitment: You're excited about in-person collaboration and building relationships with the team

Why Join?

• Competitive compensation: $150,000–$200,000 base salary (negotiable for the right candidate)

• Uncapped earning potential: OTE of $240,000–$300,000+ with equal share of customer revenue commission pool divided among AEs and forward deployed engineers

• Equity upside: 0.3-0.7%

• Founding GTM role: Work directly with the founder and have a real voice in shaping the company's direction

• YC network and backing: Join a company with proven product-market fit, strong customer traction, and ambitious growth plans

• Unique onboarding experience: Opportunity to join the team in Denmark for the first month (remote onboarding possible if travel isn't feasible)

• Prime SF location: In-person collaboration in the Dogpatch/South Park area with a team that values friendship and building together

• Work with top clients: Engage with companies like Perplexity, HeyGen, Replit, Framer, and others, expanding your network and impact in the tech ecosystem

Interviewing Process

• HR screening

• Interview with the Hiring Manager

• Mock product demo

• Onsite (Final)

• Reference and background checks (after successful interviews)

• Job offer to the selected candidate

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Compensation Range: $240K - $300K