Head of Growth
AI Startup in Stealth ModeFull Description
Founding Head of Growth & Commercial Strategy – Stealth Mode
Agentic Commerce | Category-Defining Platform | B2B2C
Company Snapshot
Status: Stealth
Stage: Formation / Pre-Seed
Category: Agentic Commerce
Market: ~$1.3T projected by 2030
Location: (flexible - Austin or SF preferred)
We are building a company at the frontier of Agentic Commerce, where AI becomes the primary interface for discovery, decision-making, and transactions. This represents a once-per-cycle platform shift—on par with the transitions driven by mobile and cloud.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Founding Head of Growth to partner directly with the founder to define the commercialization strategy, architect the go-to-market system, and build the ecosystem-led growth engine for a category-defining B2B2C platform.
This is a true 0→1 leadership role focused on market creation, not incremental optimization. The role requires deep expertise in commerce and AI, strong pattern recognition across prior interface shifts, and the ability to translate complex platform and technical dynamics into clear, adoptable market narratives.
The ideal candidate has shaped 0→1 GTM and commercialization strategy across environments ranging from large-scale platforms to early-stage companies that went on to define new categories—particularly where growth was driven through ecosystems, partnerships, and multi-sided adoption.
What You’ll Own
Market & category architecture
Define the category narrative and GTM messaging from first principles, aligning platform, product, and value propositions across B2B, B2B2C, and ecosystem stakeholders.
0→1 GTM system design
Architect the initial go-to-market strategy, including ICP definition, adoption loops, distribution leverage, pricing and packaging inputs, and expansion paths.
Alpha & beta launch leadership
Design and run alpha and beta programs, including early-adopter recruitment, design-partner engagement, feedback loops, and iteration cadence in close partnership with product and engineering.
Ecosystem-led growth
Establish and scale strategic partnerships that accelerate distribution, credibility, and platform adoption across AI, commerce, and infrastructure ecosystems.
Community building & stewardship
Build and nurture early communities of customers, partners, and advocates—turning early users into co-creators and long-term champions of the platform.
Messaging through evolution
Own company, platform, and product messaging from stealth through early scale as the market, product, and narrative mature. Build the brand architecture, voice, and trust signals required for a multi-sided, AI-native platform where credibility is a prerequisite for adoption.
External narrative shaping
Lead thought leadership and market education across media, partners, customers, and the broader ecosystem.
Founder-level collaboration
Work in lockstep with product and technology leadership to ensure GTM, product, and platform strategy evolve together.
Function build-out
Build and scale the growth, marketing, and partnerships function over time—starting hands-on, evolving into leadership.
Success Profile (What We’re Looking For)
You are likely someone who:
* Has operated at the intersection of platforms, ecosystems, and commerce
* Understands that growth strategy = system design, not just channels
* Is as comfortable shaping narrative and positioning as you are designing adoption mechanics
* Has lived through at least one major interface or platform shift (mobile, cloud, marketplaces, APIs, payments, AI)
* Thinks in terms of incentives, trust, and multi-sided value creation
* You are energized by ambiguity, enjoy building from first principles, and want to help define a category—not just compete within one.
Qualifications & Experience
* 12+ years of experience across growth, GTM, partnerships, or commercialization roles
* Proven 0→1 experience launching new products, platforms, or categories
* Deep familiarity with commerce, marketplaces, payments, SaaS, or platform businesses
* Experience with B2B2C and/or multi-sided ecosystems
* Strong strategic storytelling and positioning skills
* Comfort operating alongside technical founders and product teams
* Founder-level ownership mindset with hands-on execution ability
Experience with AI-native products, developer platforms, or infrastructure-led growth is a strong plus.
What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)
* A clearly articulated and externally resonant Agentic Commerce category narrative
* A repeatable GTM system driving early adoption across priority customer segments
* Strategic partnerships generating meaningful distribution and credibility
* Strong inbound interest driven by thought leadership and market education
* Clear signal of product-market pull and ecosystem engagement
* A scalable foundation for building a world-class growth organization
Operating Model
* Early stage, high ownership, hands-on execution
* Direct partnership with the founder
* High influence over strategy, messaging, and roadmap inputs
* Significant autonomy with board-level visibility
Compensation & Incentives
* Cash & Equity (stage-appropriate)
* Opportunity to define and lead growth for a category-defining company from inception