The Founder Associate Process

What is a Founder Associate?

A Founder Associate works directly with early-stage founders to solve operational challenges, build systems, and contribute to growing companies. It's an opportunity to learn startup operations through practice rather than theory, while building relationships with founders who are actively scaling their businesses.

We're committed to supporting candidates through the entire journey. Those who complete Stage 3 receive continued support until they achieve equal or greater income within 12 months.

How the Process Works

We run four recruitment cycles per year with a structured selection process. Each stage is designed to provide clarity on whether startup operations is the right path, while giving you practical experience.

Stage 1: Initial Screening (1 Month)

You'll complete a 20-minute questionnaire about your approach to problem-solving, communication, and execution. Candidates who score 4.0+/5.0 progress automatically. Others may be invited for a brief screening conversation.

What we assess: How you think through problems, communicate your reasoning, and approach execution.

Stage 2: Real Founder Work (3 Weeks)

We'll match you with a founder partner to work on an active business challenge. This isn't a hypothetical exercise—you'll be working on something the company actually needs. We evaluate your work quality, communication, and the value you create.

What you'll experience: Direct exposure to founder problems, the pace of startup work, and whether this environment suits you.

Progression: Top 3-5 candidates (scoring 4.5+) continue to Stage 3.

Stage 3: Build Systems Across Companies (10 Weeks)

You'll create a Standard Operating Procedure for one portfolio company, implement it, and then adapt that system for a second company. This stage focuses on whether you can build processes that work across different contexts—a key skill for operators.

What you'll develop: Experience in process design, cross-company operations, and building sustainable systems.

Progression: Candidates scoring 4.5+ with no score below 4.0 continue to Stage 4.

Stage 4: Career Transition & Placement (6-12 Months)

We'll work with you to create a personalized plan based on one of three pathways:

• Direct Placement: Full-time role with a portfolio company

• Fractional/Contract Work: Working across multiple companies

• Entrepreneurship Support: Launching your own venture with network access

Our commitment: We'll continue supporting you until you reach equal or greater income within 12 months.

Why We Built This Process

Practical Experience Over Credentials

We believe the best way to learn operations is by doing real work. From Stage 2 onwards, you're contributing to actual companies—not completing case studies.

Clear Evaluation Standards

We use consistent scoring (1-5) across five areas: Proactive Execution, Measurable Impact, Communication, Stakeholder Management, and Sustainability. You'll always understand expectations and where you stand.

Access to Founder Networks

Our portfolio includes companies in e-commerce, SaaS, marketplaces, and services. You'll work with founders who are building real businesses and can speak to your work.

Long-term Support

If you complete Stage 3, we're committed to your success beyond the program. We stay involved until you achieve your career outcome.

2026 Recruitment Cycles

Who This Suits

This process works well if you:

• Are comfortable figuring things out without detailed instructions

• Focus on creating tangible outcomes

• Communicate proactively with stakeholders

• Document your work for others to use

• Are curious about startup operations

What You'll Learn

• How to scope and deliver projects independently

• Operations across different functions (finance, sales, ops, marketing)

• Building processes that others can follow

• Working with founders in fast-moving environments

• Whether startup operations is the right career path for you

For Founders

Looking for operator support?

We work with founders to connect them with generalists who have been evaluated through real work. Our candidates have demonstrated execution ability with other portfolio companies.

Learn More About Partnering

Have a project suitable for Stage 2?

Submit a Founder Brief describing a challenge. We'll match you with candidates during their evaluation period who can contribute meaningful work.

Submit a Brief

Next Steps

For Candidates:

Review the process and apply to an upcoming cycle if this sounds like the right fit.

View Application

For Founders:

Learn more about partnering with us or submit a brief for Stage 2 matching.

Partner With Us | Submit a Brief