Chief Executive - AI & Startup Experience Required
Description
Chief Executive Officer – AI & Startup Experience Required
Compensation: $220K + equity
Our client is on a mission to transform how professional organizations, industry associations, and expert communities solve problems, deliver value, and engage their members. They believe that with the right blend of innovation, leadership, and technology, these communities can play an even more powerful role in shaping industries and society.
Our client is building intelligent, human-centered solutions that help these organizations thrive—combining the promise of AI with a deep understanding of how people and communities work. Founded by experienced leaders in technology, product strategy, and go-to-market execution, they are ready to scale.
They are currently seeking an experienced Chief Executive Officer to join their growing team.
Position Summary
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be responsible for leading the Company through its early-stage development, setting and executing the strategic vision, and guiding the company to significant commercial milestones. The CEO will manage all facets of the organization, from capital raising and investor relations to go-to-market strategy, revenue growth, and organizational expansion.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will work in close partnership with the company’s co-founder (serving as Chief Product Officer and Chief AI Architect) to ensure the product roadmap and technology development align with Company’s broader strategic objectives. The CEO will be a key public-facing figure, driving brand visibility while shaping and promoting the company’s culture, vision, and mission
Professional Experience & Qualifications
AI/ML & Emerging Technology Expertise
- Direct experience in Generative AI, AI/ML products and services, AI-as-a-Service, and/or B2B SaaS.
- Preferably a track record at leading technology organizations or startups (Google, OpenAI, Amazon, Microsoft, Perplexity, Anthropic, Inflection AI, Y Combinator, or similar).
Startup & Growth Stage Leadership
- Demonstrated success leading and scaling an early-stage technology venture through capital raises, team expansion, and revenue growth.
- Familiarity with building or operating within AI-centric, product-led organizations, ensuring balanced prioritization of technical, product, and commercial needs.
Capital Raising & Investor Relations
- Proven ability to secure financing (pre-seed to Series A/B rounds), with a well-established network in the venture and capital markets.
- Experience working with sophisticated VC firms, angel syndicates, and strategic investors to drive corporate valuation and growth.
Strategic Vision & Operational Execution
- Strong business acumen and operational expertise, with demonstrated success driving sustainable growth in dynamic, rapidly changing markets.
- Skilled at designing and deploying data-driven frameworks to set KPIs, track performance, and make informed decisions.
Team Building & Culture Development
- History of attracting, developing, and retaining high-caliber talent across diverse functions (technical, product, go-to-market, operations).
- Track record fostering inclusive, high-performing, and innovative team cultures aligned with core values of collaboration and transparency.
Desired Personal Attributes & Leadership Style
- Collaborative & Inclusive: Embraces open communication, respects subject-matter experts and empowers the broader team to contribute ideas and solutions.
- Visionary & Pragmatic: Balances a forward-thinking, ambitious vision for AI/ML innovation with disciplined operational management and risk assessment.
- People-First Mindset: Demonstrates empathy and genuine interest in employee well-being, growth, and satisfaction.
- High Integrity & Authenticity: Operates with transparency, honesty, and mutual respect, building trust with employees, investors, and partners.
- Data-Driven Decision-Maker: Prioritizes rigorous analysis, critical thinking, and evidence-based insights, yet can act decisively amid uncertainty.
- Adaptable & Resilient: Thrives in a rapidly changing environment and responds effectively to setbacks or pivot opportunities.
- Inspirational Communicator: Capable of articulating complex AI/ML and business concepts in compelling, accessible narratives for diverse audiences.
Education & Other Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, Engineering, Business) required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD) in a related domain is advantageous but not mandatory.
- 7+ years in executive or senior leadership roles with direct accountability for strategy, operations, and financial performance in a tech environment.
- Track record of commercial accomplishments, scaling revenue from zero to meaningful run rate in software/SaaS or AI-driven ventures.
- Comfortable with a hybrid work arrangement, with preference for a West Coast (USA) location (Seattle, SF Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland).
If this sounds like the right adventure, I want to hear from you. Send your resume to Adam@PeopleConnectStaffing.com