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Founder Associate – Strategy, Fundraising & Operations (Equity-Only | Co-Founder Opportunity)

Matriosh
Wilmington, DE Full Time
POSTED ON 10/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/4/2026

About Us

We are a stealth-mode startup currently building our MVP and assembling our founding team.

We're looking for a highly motivated Founder Associate who wants more than just another job—

you want to help build a company from the ground up.

 

This is an equity-only opportunity for someone who is passionate about startups,

entrepreneurship, and long-term ownership. You'll work directly with the founder on company

strategy, fundraising, hiring, and operations while playing a key role in shaping the future of the

business.

 

This role offers a clear path to becoming a Co-Founder based on performance, ownership, persistence, and long-term commitment.

 

We especially encourage applications from candidates with experience in **venture capital,

startup investing, startup accelerators, entrepreneurship programs, or early-stage startups.**

Candidates currently interning in venture capital or actively involved in startup ecosystems are

highly encouraged to apply.

 

What You'll Do

  • Partner directly with the founder on strategic initiatives and company-building efforts.
  • Help identify, screen, and coordinate potential co-founders, advisors, and early team members.
  • Conduct investor research and support fundraising preparation.
  • Assist with pitch deck development, fundraising strategy, and outreach planning.
  • Help build operational processes and internal structure as the company grows.
  • Research markets, competitors, and business opportunities.
  • Take ownership of projects and help execute key company priorities.
  • Operate in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment where initiative and follow-through are essential.

 

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who genuinely wants to build a company—not simply work at one.

 

Ideal candidates are:

  • Recent graduates or early-career professionals.
  • Passionate about startups, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
  • Interested in eventually becoming a Co-Founder.
  • Comfortable taking initiative with minimal direction.
  • Excited by ownership and long-term impact.
  • Comfortable working in an early-stage, pre-revenue startup.
  • Willing to commit to an equity-only role during the company's early stages.

 

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, experience in any of the following is highly valued:

  • Venture Capital
  • Startup investing
  • Early-stage startups
  • Entrepreneurship clubs or university startup programs
  • Startup accelerators or incubators
  • Fundraising or investor relations
  • Business strategy
  • Market research
  • Operations
  • Consulting
  • Project management

 

What We Value Most

We're less focused on years of experience and more interested in finding someone who

demonstrates:

  • Ownership mindset
  • Persistence
  • Reliability
  • Strong communication
  • Excellent follow-through
  • Curiosity and willingness to learn
  • Ability to solve problems independently
  • Long-term commitment

 

What You'll Gain

Unlike a traditional internship or associate role, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with

the founder and gain firsthand experience building a company from day one.

 

You'll receive exposure to:

  • Fundraising
  • Hiring
  • Company strategy
  • Startup operations
  • Product development
  • Leadership decision-making
  • Building and scaling an early-stage business

 

Successful performance in this role provides a clear opportunity to transition into a Co-

Founder position.

 

Compensation

  • Equity-only (no cash compensation at this stage)
  • Significant ownership opportunity
  • Direct mentorship from the founder
  • Real responsibility and meaningful impact
  • Clear path toward becoming a Co-Founder

 

Please Apply Only If

  • You understand this is an equity-only opportunity.
  • You're genuinely interested in building a startup from the ground up.
  • You're looking for long-term ownership rather than a traditional job.
  • You're excited by the opportunity to earn a future Co-Founder position through your contributions.

Salary.com Estimation for Founder Associate – Strategy, Fundraising & Operations (Equity-Only | Co-Founder Opportunity) in Wilmington, DE
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