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Executive Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

P-1445 As a Startup Account Executive at Databricks, you get to work with some of the most exciting, disruptive companies using data to change the world. You are creative and self-motivated with ...

New

A stealth computer vision & marketing SaaS startup within the UP.Labs portfolio is seeking a proven Lead Account Executive with a track record of excelling in early stage startup environments. As our ...

Executive Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

About the Role As an Executive Assistant & Office Manager , you will support our CEO and help keep ... Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities may change quickly. * A ...

About the Role As an Executive Assistant & Office Manager , you will support our CEO and help keep ... Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities may change quickly. * A ...

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Showing results 1-20

Executive Startup information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$92.3K

$181.6K

How much do executive startup jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive startup in California is $92,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $118,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an executive startup?

An Executive Startup job typically involves leading or managing a startup company, focusing on strategy, growth, and operations. Executives in startups often wear multiple hats, overseeing business development, fundraising, product management, and team building. Unlike corporate executives, startup leaders must navigate uncertainty and drive rapid scaling with limited resources. This role requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the market. Successful startup executives foster innovation and create sustainable business models.

What are some of the unique challenges executives face when leading early-stage startups?

Executive roles in startups often require wearing multiple hats, balancing strategic vision with hands-on operational duties in a resource-constrained environment. You'll encounter challenges like building a scalable team, securing funding, and pivoting business models quickly in response to market feedback. Startups can have unpredictable hours and workloads, so adaptability and quick decision-making are essential. Collaboration across product, marketing, and finance is constant, and you have a direct impact on the company’s direction and success. Successfully navigating these challenges can offer substantial professional growth and the opportunity to build a transformative business from the ground up.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the executive startup position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive at a startup, you need a strong track record in business leadership, strategic planning, and financial management, often backed by relevant business degrees or entrepreneurial experience. Familiarity with tools such as CRM systems, project management software, and financial modeling platforms is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and resilience under pressure are vital soft skills for navigating the fast-paced startup environment. These competencies are crucial for driving growth, securing investment, and leading diverse teams through rapid change and uncertainty.

What are the most commonly searched types of Startup jobs in California?

The most popular types of Startup jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Executive Startup jobs?

Cities in California with the most Executive Startup job openings:

Infographic showing various Executive Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,327 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Account Executive - North America (Startup Ecosystem)

Aivar Innovations Private Limited

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Aivar Innovations Private Limited | Full time


San Francisco, United States | Posted on 02/17/2026


Job Title: Account Executive - North America (Startup Ecosystem) Location: San Francisco, CA Experience: 5+ years in startup sales or AWS ecosystem Open Positions: 1


About Aivar Innovations

Aivar is an AI-first technology partner where cutting-edge technology meets industry expertise to supercharge your projects. Our AI-augmented teams accelerate development, reduce time-to-market, and deliver exceptional code quality. Founded by former AWS Startup team leaders, we bring together the best minds in tech to craft scalable, repeatable solutions that drive real momentum for your business.


What You'll Build

As Aivar's first Account Executive in North America, you'll execute our go-to-market strategy on the ground in the world's most competitive startup market. Working directly with our Sr. Director of Sales for North America, you'll bring our playbook to life, leveraging deep AWS startup ecosystem relationships to build pipeline while hunting new logos and establishing Aivar as the AI development partner of choice for ambitious startups.


Key Responsibilities

  • Execute Aivar's North America sales strategy, refining tactics and optimizing performance based on what works in market.

  • Leverage AWS Startup team relationships and co-sell motions to generate qualified pipeline, working closely with AWS Partner teams in SF and NYC.

  • Hunt and close net new logos across the startup ecosystem, utilizing venture partner networks, hyperscaler relationships, and customer referrals to build sustainable pipeline.

  • Own the full sales cycle for early-stage startups that need to ship AI products quickly, cleanly, and at scale.

  • Identify and activate new channel partners, venture firms, and ecosystem players to create repeatable pipeline generation.

  • Build relationships with startup founders, CTOs, and engineering leaders navigating complex AI/ML buildouts.

  • Provide frontline insights to leadership on customer needs, competitive landscape, and market trends to inform strategy refinement.

  • Represent Aivar at AWS Startup events, demo days, and accelerator programs to build brand awareness and generate opportunities.


Requirements
What You Bring
Required Experience

  • 5–8+ years of B2B sales experience selling to startups or within the AWS Partner/Startup ecosystem.

  • Proven track record in early-stage sales environments: you've been an early AE, executed new market strategies, or thrived in high-growth 0-1 environments.

  • Deep, active relationships within the AWS Startup ecosystem. You know the Partner teams, you've worked AWS co-sell, and you understand hyperscaler GTM motions.

  • Strong connections in the startup community through venture networks, accelerators, or previous roles selling into early-stage companies.

  • Experience selling complex services or technical solutions to engineering leaders. You can talk architecture, APIs, and AI/ML workflows credibly.

  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity: you execute with limited structure, adapt quickly when approaches need adjustment, and take initiative to solve problems.

  • Track record of meeting or exceeding quota in a consultative, relationship-driven sales environment.

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort operating independently. You're self-directed, resourceful, and motivated by the challenge of opening a new market.

  • Willingness to travel regularly within North America to build relationships and close strategic deals.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience at AWS in the AWS Startup/Partner ecosystem.

  • Background selling AI/ML solutions, cloud services, or developer-focused products.

  • Existing relationships with venture capital firms, startup accelerators, or innovation hubs in San Francisco.

  • Experience working at early-stage startups. You understand the pace, priorities, and pain points firsthand.


Learn from Experts

Work directly with former AWS Startup GTM leaders who understand the ecosystem.


Direct Ownership

Own the entire North America market as the founding AE. Be the first boots on the ground.


Modern Tech

Partner with customers building cutting-edge AI products using the latest GenAI frameworks.


Real-World Impact

Enable startups to ship AI products faster and scale with confidence.


Rapid Growth

Grow with the sales organization as we scale with clear paths to leadership.


Diversity and Inclusion

Aivar Innovations is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, marital status, caste, or any other protected characteristic, and we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace for everyone.

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