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Graduate Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Elve Inc

Internship: General Application

Davis, CA

$25 - $50/hr

Who is Elve? Elve, Inc is a dynamic deep-tech startup based in Davis, CA, transforming the ... You are currently enrolled or a recent graduate from a BS, MS, PhD, or MBA program * You have ...

Elve Inc

Internship: General Application

Davis, CA · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Who is Elve? Elve, Inc is a dynamic deep-tech startup based in Davis, CA, transforming the ... You are currently enrolled or a recent graduate from a BS, MS, PhD, or MBA program * You have ...

Clera

Founding BDR (SDR-to-AE Track)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... startup. This is a SDR-to-AE track role - you'll start by building the outbound engine and graduate into closing deals as you prove yourself. You'll drive mid-market and enterprise pipeline while ...

Clera

Founding BDR (SDR-to-AE Track)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... startup. This is a SDR-to-AE track role -- you'll start by building the outbound engine and graduate into closing deals as you prove yourself. You'll drive mid-market and enterprise pipeline while ...

Clera

Founding BDR (SDR-to-AE Track)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... startup. This is an SDR-to-AE track role -- you'll start by building the outbound engine and graduate into closing deals as you prove yourself. You'll drive mid-market and enterprise pipeline while ...

DabKick

Speech Recognition Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Company Description A Cupertino Silicon Valley technology startup, with an ownership group track ... Graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Sciences, or Mathematics with ...

DabKick

Speech Recognition Engineer

San Jose, CA

Company Description A Cupertino Silicon Valley technology startup, with an ownership group track ... Graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Sciences, or Mathematics with ...

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All JobsGraduate Startup JobsGraduate Startup Jobs in California

Graduate Startup information

See California salary details

$8

$16

$27

How much do graduate startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate startup in California is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by graduates working at startups, and how can they prepare for them?

Graduates joining startups often encounter fast-paced environments with rapidly changing priorities and less defined job roles. This can mean juggling multiple responsibilities, adapting quickly, and learning new skills on the fly. To prepare, it's helpful to be proactive, embrace flexibility, and seek feedback regularly. Building strong communication skills and being open to wearing many hats will help you thrive and grow alongside the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Startup Founder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Startup Founder, you need a solid grasp of business fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge in your target industry, often supported by a relevant degree or entrepreneurial coursework. Familiarity with startup tools such as project management software, basic accounting systems, and digital marketing platforms is highly valuable. Outstanding soft skills include resilience, adaptability, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset. These attributes are essential for navigating challenges, building a team, attracting investors, and driving early-stage business growth.

What is a graduate startup?

A graduate startup is a new business venture founded or co-founded by recent university graduates, often leveraging innovative ideas or technologies developed during their studies. These startups can span various industries and are typically supported by university incubators, accelerators, or entrepreneurship programs. The goal is to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the market, with founders applying their academic knowledge and research to real-world problems. Graduate startups often seek funding through grants, competitions, or venture capital to scale their operations.

What is the difference between Graduate Startup vs Intern?

AspectGraduate StartupIntern
Required CredentialsTypically recent graduates or students, sometimes with specific skillsUsually students or early learners, often with minimal experience
Work EnvironmentFull-time or part-time roles within startup teams, collaborative and dynamicTemporary, learning-focused positions, often part-time or summer roles
Employer & Industry UsageStartups across various industries hiring graduates for entry-level rolesStartups and companies offering internships for skill development

In summary, a Graduate Startup role is a full-time or part-time position aimed at recent graduates seeking to gain industry experience, while an Intern position is typically temporary, designed for students or beginners to learn and develop skills within a startup environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Startup jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate Startup jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Startup jobs in California? For Graduate Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Startup jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Startup jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Startup jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Startup job openings:
Graduate Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Startup job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,874 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Co-Founder & AI Internship -- Remote Startup Builder

GAO RFID Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About us

Aperture Venture Studio builds and launches startups at the intersection of AI, IoT, and Cloud (AIoT), focused on industries like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure. We are not just supporting startups; we are building companies from the ground up with shared R&D, marketing, and infrastructure support.

AI Product Lead
  • Lead development of AI-driven products and solutions
  • Define AI strategy, use cases, and product roadmap
  • Work closely with R&D teams to build scalable models
  • Drive innovation and real-world application of AI
  • Contribute to go-to-market and product positioning
Requirements
  • Strong background in AI/ML, data science, or related field
  • Experience building or deploying AI solutions
  • Problem‑solving mindset with execution focus
  • Ability to work in fast‑paced startup environments
Fundraising Lead
  • Lead fundraising strategy and investor outreach
  • Build pitch decks, financial models, and investment narratives
  • Manage relationships with VCs, angels, and partners
  • Identify funding opportunities and close investment rounds
  • Support overall business growth strategy
Requirements
  • Experience in fundraising, venture capital, or finance
  • Strong networking and communication skills
  • Ability to craft compelling investment stories
  • Strategic thinking with business acumen
Internship – AI & Venture Building
  • Support AI-related research and market analysis
  • Assist with AI startup ecosystem mapping
  • Research AI tools, platforms, and industry trends
  • Help prepare presentations, summaries, and internal documents
  • Support venture-building and innovation initiatives
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on AI‑focused projects
Qualifications
  • Current student or recent graduate
  • Interest in AI, startups, venture studios, or emerging technologies
  • Strong research and communication skills
  • Comfortable working in a remote and fast‑paced environment
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