Founding BDR (SDR-to-AE Track)
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