About Us
At 1848 Ventures, we're not just building companies—we're shaping the future. As a venture studio focused on B2B SaaS startups powered by data and AI, we're on a mission to transform the SMB market in industries that are the backbone of the economy, such as construction, real estate, hospitality, retail, and restaurants. Our team of venture builders, data scientists, engineers, and designers leverage cutting-edge AI to build products that empower SMB businesses to succeed.
We're not following traditional playbooks; we're creating our own. Join us and help drive innovation in industries where data and AI can make a real impact.
The Opportunity
As the Founding Head of Sales, you’ll be at the helm of our go-to-market strategy from day one. This role goes beyond hitting sales targets—you'll define the DNA of our sales engine and play a pivotal role in scaling the business.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute the sales strategy that will help us break into new markets and fuel our growth.
- Be hands-on in driving early sales—whether it’s pitching to medium and large brands, leading webinars, attending industry events, or crafting personalized outreach.
- Work cross-functionally with internal and external team members on Marketing and Product to ensure we're solving real customer problems with tailored solutions.
- Design and iterate on sales processes, from outbound lead generation to closing, ensuring every stage of the funnel is optimized for scale.
- Own sales enablement, building materials that empower future teams to replicate success.
- Develop strong relationships with early customers to create advocates who drive organic growth.
- Lead the expansion of the sales team, hiring and coaching future Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) and Account Executives (AEs).
- Provide transparent, data-driven insights into the sales pipeline and ensure alignment across the company on growth targets.
Who You Are
- Proven experience in B2B SaaS sales, with a track record of closing high-value deals and exceeding quotas.
- You thrive in fast-paced environments, where you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get things done.
- Strong understanding of outbound sales strategies and how to build, test, and scale them in a startup environment.
- Collaborative and data-driven: You understand the importance of using metrics to guide decision-making, and you work well with teams across the business.
- Comfort with ambiguity and excitement for building something from the ground up.
Bonus Points For
- Familiarity with tools like HubSpot and Apollo.io.
Why 1848 Ventures?
- Be a key player in an AI-driven venture studio with the opportunity to shape multiple startups from day one.
- Work on innovative, AI-powered solutions that support small to medium businesses, with a deep empathy for the unique challenges they face.
- Join a team of passionate innovators focused on solving complex problems in large, underserved industries.
- A collaborative, fast-paced environment where your contributions have a direct impact on the company’s success.
Travel
- This role is remote or hybrid, based on your location. While flexibility is key, we also value in-person connections. Whether you're remote or hybrid, travel may be needed for customer discovery, team building, and/or networking.
Compensation & Benefits
- We offer a competitive salary, incentive program, pension, and a comprehensive benefits package.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
1848 Ventures celebrates diversity and is committed to inclusion. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
What We Do
Big challenges. Passionate people. Smart solutions. This is what you’ll find at 1848 Ventures. We help business owners manage uncertainty and discover opportunity in risk. We’re not aiming for incremental improvement – we’re breaking new ground. And when we see opportunity for innovation, we have the freedom, resources, and culture to make it happen.
We’re champions of business owners everywhere. After all, it’s this startup ethos and entrepreneurial spirit that 1848 Ventures – and our parent company, Westfield – was founded on. Westfield, a leading provider of commercial insurance, established 1848 Ventures in 2018 to expand beyond conventional property and casualty insurance products and address the broader risks small business owners face every day. We meet our customers where they are, partnering together to deliver digital solutions that improve their bottom line.
We know that in order to succeed, we need the right people to make it happen. We start by building a team with a diverse set of voices, backgrounds, and experiences. We’re looking for the innovators. The pioneers. The change agents. The people who aren’t afraid to ask, “What if…?” and try it anyway. This is the place for self-starters, go-getters, and anyone who wants to see a good idea become a great reality.
At 1848 Ventures, we help people build careers. Based in Northeast Ohio near Cleveland, our team members grow their creative and commercial skill sets, applying their talents to a wide range of portfolio concepts. And who we are drives what we do – our values empower a thriving culture that allows for true innovation, learning, and growth.
