Founders Associate

Founders AssociateBuild the Systems that power automation across the global industry of automotive partsAbout UsAt Carpata, our vision is to build the vehicle and parts data infrastructure that powers automation across the $ 2 trillion+ automotive aftersales industry. We're already working with garages, dealerships and parts suppliers to help them move from fragmented, manual processes to intelligent, automated workflows.We're looking for a strategic, analytically minded operator — whether your background is in consulting, finance, or startups — who's excited to move from frameworks to execution. You'll bring structure, analytical rigour, and commercial intuition to an environment where decisions are made fast and data drives everything.This is a unique opportunity to join a seed-stage company founded by entrepreneurs who've built and exited automotive tech businesses. Backed by Concept Ventures (Eleven Labs, Jigcar, Superlinked), Nosara Capital (LeafLink, Max Retail), and angels from Carwow, JustPark, Autotrader, and Bumper, we're building the platform that will redefine how this industry run's.Industry-wide Problems We're SolvingEliminating Manual Parts ProcurementWe're removing time-consuming part lookups and quote creation, enabling businesses to order the right parts, first time. Service teams can instantly convert customer queries into OEM part numbers — eliminating costly returns and delays.Workflow AutomationWe're standardising and automating fragmented service workflows across the industry. What used to take hours of manual cross-referencing — from identifying a part to confirming fitment and availability — now happens automatically through integrated systems, improving accuracy, speed, and margin for every stakeholder.Democratising Parts KnowledgeComplex vehicle specifications and inconsistent supplier data become invisible to end users through a single, authoritative platform that anyone can use reliably. The industry knowledge gap is bridged by making parts identification simple enough for less experienced staff to achieve professional-level accuracy.Why This Role ExistsWe're at the stage where execution, data accuracy, operational excellence, and delighting early customers define our next phase of growth.As Founder's Associate, you'll work directly with the founders as a force multiplier — connecting dots across product, customers, and strategy. You'll translate insights into action, design scalable systems, and help turn early traction into repeatable growth.This isn't a support role — it's a strategic one. You'll operate as a thought partner to the founders, helping steer company priorities, shape go-to-market execution, and bring clarity to complex decisions. You'll gain exposure across every part of the business — product, operations, partnerships, and fundraising — and see your work shape the company in real time.This is a founder-track role, ideal for someone who wants to one day build or run their own company. You'll learn firsthand how to scale a venture-backed startup — through data, strategic thinking, and relentless execution.What You'll DoCustomer SuccessWork directly with early customers, helping ensure we achieve customer excellenceDiagnose and resolve issues with integrations, datasets, and workflowsTranslate customer challenges into structured insight for the product and engineering teamDesign onboarding and reporting processes that scale with growthData & InsightsBuild and maintain the visibility connecting data accuracy, supplier inputs, and customer outcomesPartner with engineering to improve catalogue data quality, pipelines, and automationTurn messy, complex data into clear, actionable insights for product and operationsExecution Systems BuildingLead high-impact initiatives with founders — from scaling pilots, partnerships to optimising workflowsCreate reporting loops that make company decisions more data-drivenDrive cross-functional projects that link data, product, and customer outcomesWhat We're Looking ForMust HavesStrategic and Analytical Thinker: You're comfortable and have proven ability combining structured reasoning with data-driven insightData Fluent: You know your way around SQL and can extract insight from messy datasets, but your real strength is turning those insights into action and decisionsCross-functional Collaborator: You can move fluidly between engineering, product, and customers, bringing clarity and alignment to complex projectsOwnership Mindset: You're hands-on, resourceful, and thrive in environments where you can design and improve systems from scratchExcellent Communicator: You simplify complexity and make data tell a story that drives decisionsEnergised by Early-stage Building: You thrive in a small, high-velocity environment where your impact is visible every weekNice-to-HavesExperience in consulting, finance, or high-growth startups, especially in roles combining analytical rigour with executionBackground in B2B platforms, marketplaces, or automotive techFamiliarity with modern data and analytics toolsCuriosity about vehicles, supply chains, or automation systemsThis Role Is Not For You IfYou need problems fully defined before starting workYou prefer staying in one functional laneYou're satisfied with "directionally correct" when precision mattersYou want a fully remote setup — we value in-person collaboration in LondonWhy This Role Will Define Your CareerBuild the Systems That Power Automation Across a Global IndustryYour work will directly impact how thousands of automotive businesses operate, making their workflows faster, smarter, and more profitable.Partner Directly with FoundersWork alongside entrepreneurs who've built and exited automotive tech startups. You'll be in the room for the biggest decisions and often the one turning them into reality.See Immediate ImpactEvery decision shapes the company. You'll see your work translate into impact immediately — from data insights to customer success to strategic initiatives.Accelerate Your CareerGain deep exposure across product, operations, and strategy in a true founder-track role. This is ideal preparation for building or running your own company one day.Operate with OwnershipYou'll have significant autonomy and responsibility. This isn't a support role — it's a strategic one where you'll help steer company priorities and shape execution.Role DetailsEnvironmentIn-office working at our vibrant Elephant & Castle location in South London - close to Mercato Metropolitano, the impressive Imperial War Museum and its gardens, and a short walk from Borough Market (brilliant for varied lunches).Package£40-60k + up to 0.5% equity (early employee)VisaWe unfortunately cannot sponsor visas at this timeStartImmediate availability preferredHiring ProcessIntro chat with Founders about the company and your experienceCase study or portfolio walkthroughIn-person working session to discuss your approach and fitFinal conversation with the teamReady to Build the Future of Automotive Operations?We know not everyone ticks every box — and that's okay. If you're energised by building systems that power automation, working directly with founders, and seeing your impact shape a company in real time, we'd love to hear from you.