Founding Sales Development Representative
About the Role
This is a founding SDR position at an early-stage, Y Combinator-backed AI startup serving the waste management and logistics industry. You will build the U.S. sales pipeline from scratch, working directly alongside the CEO in the Austin office to reach fleet owners and operations leaders who need better route planning and scheduling tools. This role shapes the direction of U.S. go-to-market from day one.
What You'll Do
Research and execute your own outbound outreach across cold calls, email, and LinkedIn to connect with fleet owners and operations leads.
Help define the U.S. target prospect list and influence which segments the team pursues.
Develop deep knowledge of the waste and trucking industry, including depot operations, roll-offs, and the economics of route planning.
Join every meeting you set, running appointments alongside the CEO to learn and contribute to the sales process.
Represent the company at industry trade shows and events: prospect in advance, book on-site meetings, and own follow-up.
Feed market insights back into messaging and qualification criteria to help build the U.S. sales playbook.
What We're Looking For
1 to 2 years of B2B sales experience (SDR, BDR, AE, or similar role), ideally selling software.
A proven track record of outbound prospecting: cold calls, email, and LinkedIn outreach that booked meetings with decision-makers.
Self-directed approach: you research your own prospects, write your own outreach, and own a number rather than run a handed-down sequence.
Experience running discovery calls and qualifying B2B prospects.
Based in Austin, TX or genuinely open to relocating; the role is in-office 4 to 5 days per week.
Comfort with prospect research tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator or similar platforms.
AI-native mindset: you use AI tools in your own workflow or have sold AI or automation products.
Prior exposure to waste management, logistics, transportation, or fleet operations is a plus but not required.
Experience prospecting at industry events or trade shows is a bonus.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $55,000 to $75,000 USD annually, with an on-target earnings range of $85,000 to $115,000 USD. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Location
On-site in Austin, Texas, 4 to 5 days per week. This is one of the company's first U.S. hires, based in a new Austin office.