What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding Account Executive position at Vast.ai?
Job Details
Job Description
At Vast.ai, we value creativity, energy, drive and teamwork. We are looking for talented people who share these values to join as we grow our team. Our vision is to widely distribute AI computing to reshape our future for the good of humanity. Come join us. If witnessing the birth of AGI excites you, we can't wait to hear from you!
Vast.ai is a market based cloud computing platform focused on reducing the cost and friction of compute-intensive workloads, enabling anyone to easily leverage large-scale GPU liquidity. Vast.ai is the market leader for low cost GPU rentals. Our GPU marketplace powers AI projects and businesses all over the world.
NOTE: Currently hiring for on-site work in Westwood, Los Angeles.
We're looking for a highly-driven Founding Account Executive (AE) to help grow Vast.ai's presence in the AI and startup ecosystem. In this role, you'll own the entire sales cycle, identifying opportunities, engaging prospects, and closing deals. You'll connect clients with the GPU compute power they need to innovate, all while helping shape Vast.ai's go-to-market strategy.
We're seeking candidates with direct, quota-carrying sales experience and a proven ability to deliver results. This role requires deep market knowledge, high initiative, and a willingness to dive into the details of both the product and the customer's challenges.
We don't expect you to disclose sensitive client information, but we'll want to understand your underlying process in navigating deals, from lead generation to close. Be prepared to explain the hurdles you encountered, the personas and job functions you engaged with, and how you drove the deal forward while delivering impact.
Key Responsibilities- Own the Sales Process: Build and manage a robust pipeline from lead generation to deal close.
- Strategic Targeting: Identify and prioritize key segments of the AI, tech, and startup markets.
- Solution Selling: Engage with decision-makers and technical buyers to uncover their needs and craft tailored solutions using Vast.ai's decentralized GPU platform.
- Market Expertise: Leverage your understanding of AI, cloud computing, and related industries to position Vast.ai as a game-changer for customers.
- Deal Execution: Guide prospects through the entire deal cycle, overcoming objections and navigating challenges to deliver successful outcomes.
- Collaboration: Work closely with technical teams to align solutions with customer requirements and ensure smooth implementations.
- Performance Tracking: Provide accurate forecasts and detailed sales activity reports to management.
- Final Presentation Round: Be prepared to showcase your sales approach with a simulated demo of Vast.ai, pitching to our COO, Travis Cannell, and his team.
- Sales Excellence: Proven ability to consistently meet or exceed quotas in a B2B environment.
- Deal Mastery: Experience walking prospects through the entire sales cycle, with an ability to clearly explain your top deals, including personas (job functions) you targeted, challenges you navigated, and your impact on driving results.
- Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of AI, machine learning, or cloud computing, including buyer personas, pain points, and trends.
- High Initiative: A self-starter who thrives in fast-moving environments, can identify opportunities independently, and drives results without requiring hand-holding.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to engage, explain technical concepts, and build trust with prospects and stakeholders.
- Presentation Skills: Confidence in delivering pitches and navigating Q&A during demos.
- 3-5 years of B2B sales experience, ideally in cloud computing, SaaS, or related technical fields.
- Proven track record of pipeline generation, quota attainment, and closing deals.
- Strong familiarity with CRM tools like HubSpot and sales engagement platforms.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Bonus: Existing connections in the AI startup ecosystem or a technical background relevant to GPUs, AI frameworks, or cloud platforms.
- Market Understanding: Candidates must demonstrate clear knowledge of who they targeted in previous roles, why they targeted them, and what they understood about that market.
- Deal Knowledge: Be ready to explain your top deals in detail, walking through the entire process from lead generation to close, including obstacles, personas (job functions), and how you delivered value. Sensitive client or personal data is not required, focus on the process and impact.
- Preparedness: Understand Vast.ai's product, positioning, and potential applications before applying.
- First 100 Days Plan: Present a clear strategy for building pipeline and achieving results in your initial ramp period.
- Final Interview Challenge: Candidates will deliver a simulated demo of Vast.ai's platform to our COO and team, showcasing their ability to pitch, handle objections, and answer in-depth questions.
- Full-Time, Monday - Friday.
- Onsite at the Vast.ai HQ in Westwood, Los Angeles.
- Health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage.
- Matching 401K.
- Ambitious, fast-paced startup environment.
- Generous equity.
Vast.ai is at the forefront of AI and cloud computing, helping companies innovate faster while cutting costs. You'll have the chance to make a tangible impact on the AI industry, working with a team that's redefining access to high-performance computing.
P.S. If you're already curious about this role, cold calling Travis Cannell, our COO, is one way to secure a conversation. Tools like seamless.ai offer free credits to help find contact details. Initiative is always noticed.
