Founders Associate

Founders Associate

Build the Systems that power automation across the global industry of automotive parts

About Us

At 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 Solving

Eliminating Manual Parts Procurement

We'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 Automation

We'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 Knowledge

Complex 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 Exists

We'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 Do

Customer Success

• Work directly with early customers, helping ensure we achieve customer excellence
• Diagnose and resolve issues with integrations, datasets, and workflows
• Translate customer challenges into structured insight for the product and engineering team
• Design onboarding and reporting processes that scale with growth

Data & Insights

• Build and maintain the visibility connecting data accuracy, supplier inputs, and customer outcomes
• Partner with engineering to improve catalogue data quality, pipelines, and automation
• Turn messy, complex data into clear, actionable insights for product and operations

Execution Systems Building

• Lead high-impact initiatives with founders — from scaling pilots, partnerships to optimising workflows
• Create reporting loops that make company decisions more data-driven
• Drive cross-functional projects that link data, product, and customer outcomes

What We're Looking For

Must Haves

• Strategic and Analytical Thinker: You're comfortable and have proven ability combining structured reasoning with data-driven insight
• Data 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 decisions
• Cross-functional Collaborator: You can move fluidly between engineering, product, and customers, bringing clarity and alignment to complex projects
• Ownership Mindset: You're hands-on, resourceful, and thrive in environments where you can design and improve systems from scratch
• Excellent Communicator: You simplify complexity and make data tell a story that drives decisions
• Energised by Early-stage Building: You thrive in a small, high-velocity environment where your impact is visible every week

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience in consulting, finance, or high-growth startups, especially in roles combining analytical rigour with execution
• Background in B2B platforms, marketplaces, or automotive tech
• Familiarity with modern data and analytics tools
• Curiosity about vehicles, supply chains, or automation systems

This Role Is Not For You If

• You need problems fully defined before starting work
• You prefer staying in one functional lane
• You're satisfied with "directionally correct" when precision matters
• You want a fully remote setup — we value in-person collaboration in London

Why This Role Will Define Your Career

Build the Systems That Power Automation Across a Global Industry

Your work will directly impact how thousands of automotive businesses operate, making their workflows faster, smarter, and more profitable.

Partner Directly with Founders

Work 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 Impact

Every decision shapes the company. You'll see your work translate into impact immediately — from data insights to customer success to strategic initiatives.

Accelerate Your Career

Gain 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 Ownership

You'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 Details

Environment

In-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)

Visa

We unfortunately cannot sponsor visas at this time

Start

Immediate availability preferred

Hiring Process

1. Intro chat with Founders about the company and your experience
2. Case study or portfolio walkthrough
3. In-person working session to discuss your approach and fit
4. Final conversation with the team

Ready 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.