Founding BDR (SDR-to-AE Track)

About the role

About the Role A fast-growing, pre-seed AI-powered HR tech startup is hiring a hungry Founding BDR to drive new business as an early sales hire. This is a clear SDR-to-AE track role — you'll start by building and owning the outbound engine, then graduate into closing deals as you prove yourself. You'll focus on mid-market and enterprise pipeline while helping craft the sales playbook alongside a 10-person team. The company is looking for people who combine a willingness to grind with creative, high-clockspeed thinking — someone who can implement time-saving structure, iterate fast, and generate new ideas that accelerate growth. What You'll Do Source new sales opportunities through inbound lead qualification and outbound prospecting Qualify prospects through consultative, value-driven selling Grow top-of-funnel via warm and cold outbound campaigns Test and iterate on experimental marketing and go-to-market motions Maintain accurate CRM data and pipeline hygiene Work directly with the founding team daily to shape the sales motion and strategy Progress into a closing Account Executive role as the sales org scales What We're Looking For Required: 1–5 years of experience as a top-performing SDR/BDR and/or AE at a high-velocity startup or in finance Demonstrated track record of beating quota, rapid promotions, and consistently strong sales performance Proven success with cold outbound prospecting — you've cold-outbounded your way into at least one high-quality opportunity Experience qualifying prospects through consultative selling and advancing pipeline toward close Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce or similar) and strong pipeline hygiene habits Eager and able to grow from a BDR role into a full closing AE position Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship Nice to Have: Have done something most people haven't — started a company, won a major competition, achieved an elite distinction in any field Thrives in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment with high expectations and low bureaucracy Compensation & Benefits Base salary: $110,000 – $140,000 annually Commission and performance-based upside Early equity — joining before a Series A fundraise Clear, fast-tracked path from BDR to closing AE Location On-site in San Francisco, CA No visa sponsorship available