CEO and Co-Founder Resume Examples & Templates
4 free customizable and printable CEO and Co-Founder samples and templates for 2026. Unlock unlimited access to our AI resume builder for just $9/month and elevate your job applications effortlessly. Generating your first resume is free.
CEO and Co-Founder Resume Examples and Templates
Co-Founder Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong traction and quantification
You show clear, measurable startup impact with specific metrics like $2.1M seed raised, MRR growth to $45k, and 18% month-over-month ARR growth. Those figures make your product and growth work tangible and help investors and partners quickly assess your track record in early-stage ventures.
Relevant cross-functional leadership
Your experience leading product, engineering, data science, and customer success at MapleFoundry shows you can build teams and ops. Notes about OKRs, hiring playbooks, and reducing time-to-hire by 35% prove you manage both strategy and execution, a key skill for a Co-Founder driving company growth.
Strong product and GTM experience
Your Shopify role demonstrates product roadmap delivery and GTM wins, including a 22% conversion lift and $4M incremental revenue from pricing tests. That background pairs well with your MapleFoundry results and signals you can design product strategies that scale revenue.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more concise and targeted
Your intro lists strong themes, but it reads dense. Tighten it to two short sentences that state your value to investors and startups. For example, focus on product-led growth, fundraising outcomes, and the stage you target to make your pitch clearer to readers.
Skills list lacks tool-level keywords
You list high-level skills like 'Growth Analytics' and 'GTM.' Add specific tools and keywords such as Mixpanel, Segment, SQL, HubSpot, or OKR frameworks. That will improve ATS matches and show you can execute the tactics behind your strategic claims.
Limited detail on investor and fundraising role
You note fundraising success, but you don’t show your role in the process. Add brief points on investor outreach, term negotiation, cap table work, or pitch deck metrics. That helps founders and VCs understand your operational strength in venture operations.
CEO and Co-Founder Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Clear founder impact with metrics
You quantify major outcomes, like growing VerdePay to 125 employees and $34M ARR, raising $45M, and R$120M in credit originations. Those hard numbers show you drove scale, funding, and product-market fit, which directly matches what investors and partners expect from a CEO and co-founder.
Relevant fintech and partnership experience
You highlight fintech product and partnership wins, including pilots with Itaú and PagSeguro and distribution to 60,000 merchants. That aligns tightly with a CEO role at a Brazilian payments firm focused on SME credit and inclusive payments.
Leadership and operational rigor
You show people and process leadership through OKR implementation, building cross-functional teams, and reducing CAC by 28%. Those details prove you run operations, product, and growth in a data-driven way.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Make the summary more targeted
Your intro reads strong, but you should state a clear next-stage goal. Say whether you seek new capital, expansion, or an advisory role. That focus helps investors and boards spot fit quickly.
Add role-level board and governance details
You mention fundraising and investor relations, but you don't list board seats or governance experience. Add details on board composition, reporting cadence, and governance actions to show board-level readiness.
Expand keyword coverage for ATS
Your skills list is concise but misses some ATS keywords like 'risk modeling', 'credit underwriting', 'PCI/EMV', 'digital wallets', and 'unit economics'. Add those terms where true to improve match rates.
Managing Partner and Co-Founder Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong fundraising and deal track record
Your resume shows clear fundraising and execution wins. You led a $250M first close for a $450M firm and closed 9 platform investments plus 12 add-ons. You also realised exits with 4.2x and 2.6x MOIC, which signals you can deliver returns for LPs.
Clear operational value creation
You quantify portfolio impact and ops improvements. Portfolio revenue rose 3.5x in 36 months and EBITDA uplift averaged 22%. You also introduced performance dashboards that cut reporting time by 70%, which shows you drive measurable operational change.
Relevant leadership and sector experience
You built and led the investment team of six and set governance processes. Your background spans PE, growth, and consulting across fintech, healthcare, and climate tech. That mix matches what hiring committees seek for a managing partner role.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more targeted
Your intro lists strong experience, but it reads broad. Tighten it to one crisp sentence that states your value to limited partners and portfolio founders. Mention target fund size, IRR range, or fundraising goals to make it instantly relevant.
Skills section lacks granular tools and metrics
You list core skills, but you miss specific tools and LP-facing phrases. Add terms like LP reporting, waterfall modelling, fund administration platforms, CRM for LPs, and KPI dashboards. That will help ATS match and clarify your technical experience.
Some bullets mix tasks and results
Several role bullets combine activities with outcomes in one line. Split them into an action and a clear metric. For example, separate sourcing activity from the 3.5x revenue result to make your impact pop on quick reads.
Executive Chairman and Co-Founder Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong impact demonstrated
The resume showcases significant achievements, such as a 300% revenue growth and a 25% increase in market share, which are essential for a CEO and Co-Founder role. These quantifiable results highlight the candidate's capability to drive business success effectively.
Compelling executive summary
The introduction provides a clear picture of Isabella's extensive experience and leadership qualities. It effectively positions her as a dynamic leader with a proven track record, essential attributes for a CEO and Co-Founder looking to inspire confidence in stakeholders.
Diverse leadership experience
Isabella's roles at InnovateTech Solutions and TechVentures depict her versatility in leadership. Managing over 100 employees and directing new product launches emphasizes her ability to lead in complex environments, a critical skill for a CEO and Co-Founder.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Skills section lacks specificity
The skills listed are broad and could benefit from more specific industry-related keywords, such as 'Venture Capital' or 'Strategic Partnerships'. Tailoring this section to include precise terms relevant to the CEO role can enhance ATS compatibility and appeal to hiring managers.
Limited focus on soft skills
While technical skills are well-represented, the resume could improve by highlighting soft skills like 'communication' and 'negotiation'. These are crucial for a CEO and Co-Founder role, as they enhance team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Experience descriptions could be more concise
The descriptions of experiences, while impactful, could be more concise. Streamlining these points would make the resume easier to read and allow key achievements to stand out more clearly, which is important for busy recruiters and executives.
1. How to write a CEO and Co-Founder resume
Landing a CEO and Co-Founder position can be daunting, especially with countless applicants vying for the same role. How can you craft a resume that truly reflects your leadership journey? Hiring managers look for clear evidence of strategic impact and proven results rather than just a list of responsibilities. Unfortunately, many candidates focus too heavily on job titles and generic skills instead of showcasing their unique achievements.
This guide will help you create a resume that emphasizes your transformative contributions and leadership experience. You'll discover how to articulate your accomplishments, such as driving revenue growth or leading successful initiatives. We'll dive into essential sections like work experience and resume summary to ensure your qualifications shine. By the end, you'll have a standout resume that tells your professional story effectively.
Use the right format for a CEO and Co-Founder resume
When creating a resume for a CEO and Co-Founder position, a chronological format is typically the best choice. This format clearly highlights your career progression and achievements over time, which is crucial for senior-level roles. If you've had a varied career or are transitioning from a different industry, a combination format can work well, allowing you to showcase transferable skills while still highlighting your leadership experience.
Regardless of the format, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly. Use clear section headings, and avoid columns, tables, or complex graphics. Stick to a straightforward layout that makes it easy for both ATS and hiring managers to read.
Craft an impactful CEO and Co-Founder resume summary
A resume summary for a CEO and Co-Founder should focus on your extensive leadership experience, strategic vision, and key accomplishments. An effective summary communicates your years of experience, specialization in industry sectors, core skills, and a standout achievement. For seasoned executives, a summary is ideal; for those changing careers, an objective statement may be more appropriate.
Use this formula for a strong summary: [Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]. Tailor it to reflect the specific needs of the company you're applying to, ensuring it resonates with the key competencies they seek.
Good resume summary example
Dynamic executive with over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and operational excellence in the tech industry. Proven ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and lead teams to exceed performance goals. Successfully co-founded and scaled Legros, Cummerata and Murray, achieving a 150% revenue increase within three years.
Why this works: This summary clearly outlines the candidate's experience and specialization while showcasing a significant achievement that stands out to potential employers.
Bad resume summary example
Experienced professional seeking a CEO position. Strong leadership skills and a background in business management.
Why this fails: While it mentions experience and skills, this summary lacks specificity and does not highlight any achievements, making it less compelling to potential employers.
Highlight your CEO and Co-Founder work experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Clearly state your Job Title, Company Name, and Dates of Employment. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and accomplishments, beginning each point with strong action verbs. Focus on quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact, such as revenue growth or team expansion. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help frame your accomplishments effectively.
For a CEO, it's key to illustrate leadership, strategic planning, and organizational growth. Use metrics wherever possible to quantify your successes, as this provides concrete evidence of your capabilities.
Good work experience example
• Spearheaded a comprehensive restructuring at Legros, Cummerata and Murray, resulting in a 30% reduction in operational costs while increasing overall productivity by 40%.
Why this works: This bullet starts with a strong action verb and quantifies the impact of the candidate's leadership, clearly demonstrating their effectiveness in the role.
Bad work experience example
• Managed a team and oversaw operations at Hegmann-Osinski.
Why this fails: This bullet lacks specificity and does not quantify results, making it less impactful. It doesn’t showcase the candidate's achievements or leadership style.
Present relevant education for a CEO and Co-Founder
Include details like School Name, Degree, and Graduation Year or Expected Date. For recent graduates, make education a more prominent section, including GPA, relevant coursework, and honors if applicable. On the other hand, for experienced professionals, keep education less prominent, often omitting GPA. Also, consider including relevant certifications in this section or in a dedicated section to highlight continuous learning.
Good education example
Harvard University - MBA, Business Administration
Graduated: 2008
Why this works: This entry is clear and includes relevant details, making it easy for the reader to assess the candidate's educational background.
Bad education example
Langworth and Sons - Attended business school.
Why this fails: This entry is vague and lacks relevant details, making it unclear how the education ties into the candidate's qualifications.
Add essential skills for a CEO and Co-Founder resume
Technical skills for a CEO and Co-Founder resume
Soft skills for a CEO and Co-Founder resume
Include these powerful action words on your CEO and Co-Founder resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a CEO and Co-Founder
Consider adding sections for Projects, Certifications, Publications, Awards, Volunteer Experience, or Languages. These can enhance your resume by showcasing your diverse skills and contributions outside of your primary job. Highlighting relevant projects or certifications can set you apart, especially if they align closely with the demands of the role you're pursuing.
Good example
Volunteer Experience: Board Member - Nonprofit Organization
• Led a fundraising campaign that raised over $500,000 for local community projects, engaging over 200 volunteers.
Why this works: This example illustrates leadership and impact in a non-profit setting, showcasing the candidate's commitment to community and ability to mobilize resources effectively.
Bad example
Hobbies: Reading and traveling.
Why this fails: This entry is irrelevant to the CEO role and does not add value to the candidate's professional profile, making it a weak addition.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a CEO and Co-Founder
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that help employers manage the hiring process. They scan resumes for keywords and relevant information, often rejecting those that don't fit specific criteria. For a CEO and Co-Founder role, optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial because it helps ensure that your qualifications shine through.
To optimize your resume, use standard section titles like 'Work Experience', 'Education', and 'Skills'. Incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions, such as leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, and business development. Avoid complex formatting with tables, columns, or images, as these can confuse the ATS. Stick to standard fonts, and use a simple file format like PDF or .docx.
Common mistakes to watch out for include using creative synonyms instead of exact keywords from the job description. Additionally, relying on formatting elements like headers or footers can lead to misinterpretation. Make sure not to omit critical keywords related to your skills and experiences as a CEO.
ATS-compatible example
Work Experience:
CEO and Co-Founder, Graham Inc.
Led a team of 50 to drive revenue growth by 30% year-over-year through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing campaigns.
Why this works: This example clearly states the role and company, uses a standard format, and includes impactful metrics and keywords like 'revenue growth' and 'strategic partnerships'.
ATS-incompatible example
Professional Experience:
Boss at Graham Inc.
Responsible for making the company successful and managing the team.
Why this fails: The section title 'Boss' is non-standard and vague. The description lacks specific metrics and relevant keywords, making it less effective for ATS parsing.
3. How to format and design a CEO and Co-Founder resume
When crafting a resume for a CEO and Co-Founder position, choosing the right template is crucial. A clean, professional layout works best. Opt for a reverse-chronological format to highlight your extensive experience and achievements. This layout is reader-friendly and compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Your resume should ideally be one page, but experienced candidates may extend it to two pages if needed. It's important to keep your content concise and impactful. Focus on showcasing your leadership roles and quantifiable successes.
For font and spacing, go with professional, ATS-friendly options like Calibri or Arial. Stick to a font size between 10-12pt for the body and 14-16pt for headings. Ensure there's enough white space to avoid a cluttered appearance. Simple formatting is best, as it makes your resume easier to read for both hiring managers and ATS.
Avoid common mistakes like using overly complex templates with columns or graphics, which can confuse ATS. Stay away from excessive colors or non-standard fonts that can detract from a professional look. Make sure to use clear section headings for easy navigation.
Well formatted example
Mara Pouros
CEO and Co-Founder
Wiegand-Schmidt
Email: mara.pouros@email.com | Phone: (123) 456-7890
Professional Experience
CEO, Wiegand-Schmidt
2018 - Present
- Led company growth by 300% in three years
- Secured $5M in funding for expansion
This format is clean and easy to read. The use of clear headings and concise bullet points makes it professional and ATS-friendly.
Poorly formatted example
Breana Klein
CEO & Co-Founder
Cummerata
Email: breana.klein@email.com | Phone: (123) 456-7890
Experience
- CEO, Cummerata
2017 - Present
- Responsible for operations and strategy
- Managed team and projects
This layout lacks sufficient white space and clear section headings. It's not as easy to read, and ATS might struggle to parse the information effectively.
4. Cover letter for a CEO and Co-Founder
A tailored cover letter is essential when applying for the role of CEO and Co-Founder. It complements your resume by highlighting your vision, leadership experience, and passion for the company's mission. A well-crafted letter shows potential partners or investors your genuine interest and commitment.
Start with your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details, if known. In your opening paragraph, clearly state the position you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Mention a key qualification or highlight your experience in launching and scaling businesses.
The body of your letter should connect your skills and experience to the specific requirements of the role. Focus on your leadership style, successful projects, and relevant industry experience. Include soft skills like strategic thinking and collaboration. Tailor your content to reflect the company's values and mission, using keywords from the job description.
- Header: Include your contact details, date, and recipient's info.
- Opening Paragraph: State the position and express enthusiasm.
- Body Paragraphs: Connect your experience with the role's requirements.
- Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest and include a call to action.
Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your passion for the role and confidence in your ability to lead the company. Thank the reader for their time and express your desire for further discussion.
Sample a CEO and Co-Founder cover letter
Dear Hiring Team,
I am excited to apply for the position of CEO and Co-Founder at InnovateTech. With over a decade of experience in technology startups, I have successfully launched and scaled multiple ventures, including my recent company, TechSolutions, which achieved a 200% revenue increase in just three years.
My leadership approach emphasizes collaboration and innovation. At TechSolutions, I led a team of 50, fostering a culture of creativity that resulted in groundbreaking product developments. My ability to align business objectives with customer needs has been instrumental in driving growth and ensuring sustainability.
I am particularly drawn to InnovateTech's mission of transforming industries through technology. I admire your commitment to social responsibility and believe my vision aligns perfectly with your goals. I am eager to bring my expertise in strategic planning and operational efficiency to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I would love the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to InnovateTech's success. Please feel free to reach out to arrange a meeting.
Sincerely,
John Smith
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a CEO and Co-Founder resume
Creating a resume for a CEO and Co-Founder role is critical, as it sets the tone for leadership and vision. You need to showcase your achievements and strategic thinking clearly, avoiding common pitfalls that can undermine your credibility.
Attention to detail matters. Small mistakes can distract from your accomplishments and make you appear less professional.
Avoid using vague language
Mistake Example: "Led a team to improve company performance."
Correction: Be specific about your leadership and results. Instead, write: "Led a team of 50 to increase revenue by 30% in two years through strategic partnerships and process optimization."
Don't underestimate your achievements
Mistake Example: "Helped grow the company."
Correction: Quantify your impact. Instead, say: "Drove a 200% increase in company valuation over five years, attracting major investors and stakeholders."
Generic descriptions don’t stand out
Mistake Example: "Worked with various clients and stakeholders."
Correction: Specify your role and impact. Instead, write: "Negotiated contracts with Fortune 500 clients, resulting in a 50% growth in market share within one year."
Overlooking formatting for readability
Mistake Example: "Experience: CEO at Company A, 2015-present. Responsibilities included managing operations, finance, and sales."
Correction: Use bullet points for clarity. Instead, format it as:
- CEO, Company A (2015-present)
- Managed operations, finance, and sales.
- Increased revenue by 40% year over year.
Including irrelevant personal information
Mistake Example: "Hobbies include hiking and traveling."
Correction: Focus on relevant professional information. Instead, mention: "Passionate about mentorship and fostering startup ecosystems, actively involved in local entrepreneur networks."
6. FAQs about CEO and Co-Founder resumes
Creating a compelling resume as a CEO and Co-Founder is crucial for attracting potential investors and partners. It should reflect your leadership skills, strategic vision, and business acumen effectively.
What essential skills should a CEO and Co-Founder highlight on their resume?
What essential skills should a CEO and Co-Founder highlight on their resume?
Focus on skills like strategic planning, team leadership, financial acumen, and market analysis. Don't forget to showcase your experience in managing operations and driving growth.
What is the best format for a CEO and Co-Founder resume?
What is the best format for a CEO and Co-Founder resume?
A reverse-chronological format works best, as it highlights your recent roles and achievements. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
How long should a CEO resume be?
How long should a CEO resume be?
Keep your resume to one or two pages. Make sure every detail you include is relevant and impactful.
How can I showcase my projects or company achievements?
How can I showcase my projects or company achievements?
Include a dedicated section for major projects or successes. Use bullet points to list specific metrics, like revenue growth or market expansion.
Should I include my education and certifications?
Should I include my education and certifications?
Yes, list your degrees and any relevant certifications. They add credibility and show your commitment to professional growth.
Pro Tips
Emphasize Leadership Experience
Your leadership role is crucial. Highlight your experience in guiding teams, making strategic decisions, and driving company vision.
Quantify Your Achievements
Use specific numbers to illustrate your successes. Mention percentages for growth or revenue increases to give a clear picture of your impact.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Opportunity
Customize your resume for each role or opportunity. Highlight the skills and experiences that align best with the specific needs of potential investors or partners.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding CEO and Co-Founder resume
Crafting a compelling CEO and Co-Founder resume is key to showcasing your leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Here are some important takeaways to keep in mind:
- Use a clean, professional format that’s easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Highlight your relevant experience, focusing on leadership roles and successful initiatives that align with the CEO position.
- Incorporate strong action verbs, and quantify your achievements to show impact clearly.
- Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems by naturally including industry-relevant keywords throughout your resume.
Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool. Consider using templates or resume-building tools to create a standout document that gets you noticed!
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