Key Insights: Early vs. Later-Stage Startups for Biz Ops
Recently, I had an insightful conversation with the CEO of a Series A energy vegetation management company that has raised over $5M in funding. They shared their perspective on business operations roles at startups, highlighting the evolving nature of the role, the importance of team dynamics, and the skills necessary to thrive. Here’s what I learned:
The Role of Business Operations
At its core, business operations is about understanding and improving processes, driving sales, and managing team dynamics. However, the scope and focus of the role can vary significantly depending on the stage of the startup:
1. Early Stage (Pre-Seed to Series A):
The primary focus is on finding product-market fit rather than building structured processes.
Business operations professionals often work closely with the CEO on finance, operations, and legal matters.
Networking is essential to identify what "good" looks like and how to implement it.
Flexibility is key, as situations can be unpredictable.
A critical decision is whether to invest in setting up processes or to stay lean and adaptable.
2. Later Stage (Series B+):
The focus shifts to scaling, refining, and building advanced systems.
Roles become more specialized, with clear distinctions in responsibilities.
Established processes allow for optimization and efficiency, making the role more structured than in earlier stages.
Working Closely with the CEO
One of the most important aspects of a business operations role is the relationship with the CEO. A good fit with the CEO can make or break your experience:
Key Questions to Consider:
Do I trust their judgment?
Will they listen to my input?
Can I see them taking the company to a big, impactful future?
Understanding the CEO’s operating style and ensuring alignment in vision is critical.
The CEO should view you as a key contributor and sell you on the role, not the other way around.
Essential Skills and Mindsets
A successful business operations leader brings a mix of tangible skills and adaptable mindsets:
Sales-Oriented Approach: Always prioritize sales across three key areas:
Selling to customers.
Attracting investors.
Recruiting top talent.
Mindset for Startups:
Learn what can realistically be fixed and what to let go.
Thrive in ambiguity, adapting to unforeseen challenges.
Bring a systematic approach to problem-solving, often borrowing from consulting or banking frameworks.
Balance enthusiasm with strategy — be "psychotically enthusiastic" about the company’s vision while maintaining a level-headed approach to execution.
Stage and Fit Considerations
The stage of the company has a significant impact on the role and your experience:
Pre-Seed to Series A: A hands-on environment with fewer structured processes, offering opportunities to learn and grow quickly.
Series B+: A more structured environment focused on scaling and refinement, with niche roles that require specialized expertise.
Beyond the company stage, the CEO and team dynamics should be the top priority when evaluating an opportunity.
Adopting a Personal Mindset
Finally, the CEO shared an important takeaway for anyone considering a business operations role:
You should not be chasing jobs. Instead, focus on finding visionary CEOs who recognize your value and want you on their team.
Confidence is key — know what you bring to the table and let that shape your decisions.
Break out of traditional systems and think like a visionary contributor, positioning yourself as an essential part of the company’s success.
Closing Thoughts
This conversation left me with a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in a business operations role at a startup. Whether the company is navigating the chaos of early stages or scaling up at Series B and beyond, the right mindset, skills, and team dynamics can make all the difference.
If you’re considering such a role, remember to evaluate not just the company’s vision, but also your fit with the CEO and your ability to grow with the team. The best opportunities are those where you feel confident in your contribution and aligned with the company’s trajectory.
