Los Angeles, CA30+ days ago
From initial outreach with target customers through to binding pilot agreements, you will refine and deliver upon value propositions based on market feedback; Identify and secure strategic partnerships with VPP operators, flexibility providers, utilities, DNOs/DSOs, and DER equipment vendors (battery manufacturers, EV charger companies, heat pump installers); Co-develop and maintain techno-economic models, pricing strategy and financial models with the founding team, and lead commercial negotiations and contract structuring; Lead fundraising efforts with commercial due diligence materials, building investor relationships and communicating commercial progress; Demonstrated B2B sales and business development experience, ideally in energy, grid services or flexibility markets, with a track record from cold outreach to signed agreements; Willingness to operate across strategic and administrative tasks, with resilience, strong self-direction and ability to thrive in uncertain environments; Excellent communication skills with the ability to build credibility across diverse stakeholders (VPP operators, utilities, grid operators, energy traders, investors) and work collaboratively with a technical co-founder; Ability to recruit and lead team members as the company grows, with a desire to build and scale an organisation aligned with company mission and values. Working hand-in-hand with the technical founder, you will: Validate market demand and define target customer segments across VPP operators, aggregators and flexibility providers; Build early customer, supplier and strategic partnerships with operators scaling their DER portfolios; Secure commercial proof points (LOIs, MOUs, pilot agreements) with VPP operators facing scaling or onboarding challenges; Lead fundraising from pre-seed through Series A, targeting climate tech and energy-focused investors; Shape pricing, go-to-market strategy, and long-term commercial positioning across SaaS, performance-based and professional services revenue streams; Navigate energy market regulation and grid code compliance in target geographies (US ISO/RTO markets, UK Ofgem/G99, European ACER frameworks or similar); This is a deeply hands-on role.