Co-Founder Local services / Craftsmen
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for skilled trades and local services continues to rise, with a 25% increase in market size expected by 2026, companies like 38Capital are at the forefront of innovation. With a focus on operationally strong businesses, 38Capital is seeking entrepreneurial individuals to co-found companies in highly fragmented service industries. The key to success in this role lies in a combination of strong execution capabilities, a bias for action, and a deep understanding of customer needs. Before applying, candidates should be aware that this is not a traditional operating role but rather an opportunity to build real companies with real ownership.
Job Description
About the Role
The role of Co-Founder for local services and craftsmen at 38Capital is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals to build scalable and profitable businesses from the ground up. This is not a traditional operating role but a chance to co-found a company in a highly fragmented service industry, focusing on creating strong customer value, operational excellence, and efficient distribution. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced founders and operators to identify, validate, and potentially build businesses in areas such as SHK/HVAC, electrical services, building services, home modernization, and skilled trades.Day-to-day, the role entails exploring market opportunities, validating business models, developing operational concepts, and building first customer traction. This is a collaborative effort, with direct access to capital, operational and strategic support, and a network of professionals dedicated to helping you succeed. The ideal candidate is someone who is not only passionate about building a business from scratch but also has the skills and resilience to navigate the challenges that come with it.
38Capital is focused on building operationally strong businesses with efficient customer acquisition, scalable systems, strong branding, and an early path to profitability. The company believes in creating businesses that have a clear customer value proposition, are operationally excellent, and have an efficient distribution strategy. This approach is reflected in the company's portfolio, which includes businesses in energy and climate, healthcare and consumer services, real estate, and vertical software and operations.
What You Will Do
- Explore market opportunities in local services and craftsmen sectors to identify potential for scalable and profitable businesses.
- Validate business models through market research, customer interviews, and financial analysis.
- Develop operational concepts that prioritize efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
- Build first customer traction through effective marketing strategies and operational execution.
- Collaborate with the 38Capital team to refine business ideas and operational plans.
- Conduct competitor analysis to understand market positioning and opportunities for differentiation.
- Develop and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and funding requirements.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with business operations and growth.
- Foster strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers to ensure long-term success.
What We Are Looking For
- Entrepreneurial drive and a strong ownership mentality, with a willingness to build a business from zero.
- Operational thinking and execution capabilities, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.
- Resilience and a bias for action, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make decisions quickly.
- Strong commercial instinct and understanding of customer needs, with the ability to develop and execute effective sales strategies.
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Experience in skilled trades, local services, or operations-heavy industries, although not necessarily required.
- Understanding of operational pain points and opportunities to modernize how businesses are built and scaled.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong communication and collaboration skills.
Nice to Have
- Previous experience in entrepreneurship, startup environments, or service operations management.
- Background in sales or commercial roles, with a proven track record of success.
- Familiarity with Excel and other business planning tools, with the ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
- Knowledge of digital marketing strategies and their application in local services and craftsmen sectors.
- Experience in managing budgets, financial forecasting, and funding requirements.
Benefits and Perks
- Direct collaboration with experienced founders and operators who can provide guidance and support.
- Access to capital from day one, allowing for rapid scaling and growth.
- Operational and strategic support during the build phase, including access to a network of professionals.
- Joint ideation and company building, with a focus on creating a business that is scalable and profitable.
- High ownership and entrepreneurial responsibility, with the potential for long-term founder role and meaningful equity participation.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
- Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options and a stipend for remote work setup.
How to Stand Out
- Develop a deep understanding of the local services and craftsmen sectors, including market trends, customer needs, and operational challenges.
- Prepare a solid business plan that outlines your vision, strategy, and financial projections for the business.
- Highlight your operational thinking and execution capabilities, with examples of how you have managed projects and teams in the past.
- Showcase your entrepreneurial drive and willingness to build a business from scratch, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with business planning tools like Excel, and how you have used data to inform business decisions.
- Emphasize your ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ask informed questions during the interview process, demonstrating your curiosity and willingness to learn about the company and the role.
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