Finding Your Role In A Startup (Growth Edition)

This post originally appeared in the VFA Monthly on LinkedIn.

Do you have a talent for marketing and growth?

Are you eager to jump into the fast-paced world of tech startups, but unsure where best to apply your skills?

This can be a common concern, especially for those switching careers or entering this dynamic industry for the first time.

This article uses insights from the Venture for Africa GTM bootcamp to help you understand different growth-focused roles in a tech startup and where your skills might fit best.

Finding Your Role in a Tech Startup Infographic (Growth Edition)

Considerations

When evaluating potential roles within a tech startup, in this case, a growth-focused role, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure the best fit for both your skills and the company’s needs.

1. Company Stage: Understanding the stage of the company is crucial. Early-stage startups might prioritize roles that wear multiple hats, while more established companies may have specialized positions.
2. Team Structure: Take a look at the current team composition. Identify any gaps or areas where your expertise could complement existing skill sets.
3. Growth Challenges: Every startup faces unique growth challenges. Determine where the company is struggling the most — is it acquiring customers, retaining them, or scaling operations?
4. Your Strengths: Reflect on your own strengths and expertise. What areas of growth and revenue-driving activities do you excel in? Where do you feel most passionate and effective?
5. Value Proposition: Consider where you can add the most value and solve critical problems within the company. This could be through your industry knowledge, network, or specific skill set.

Potential Roles

Based on these considerations, potential roles within similar startups could include:

• Product Marketing: Communicating the value proposition of the company’s products or services to the target market and supporting the product development process.
• Growth: Driving user acquisition, activation, retention, and revenue growth through experimentation, data analysis, and optimization.
• Sales: Building relationships with potential customers, understanding their needs, and closing deals to drive revenue growth.
• Business Development: Identifying strategic partnerships, negotiating agreements, and exploring new market opportunities to expand the company’s reach and revenue streams.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with other companies, organizations, or platforms to leverage complementary strengths and drive mutual growth.
• Customer Experience: Ensuring a positive and seamless experience for the company’s customers at every touchpoint, from onboarding to ongoing support.

In early-stage startups, these roles might be fluid, and individuals may need to wear multiple hats to address various needs.

As the company grows, specialization becomes more common, offering opportunities for career progression and deeper expertise in specific areas.