Founding Product Manager (EdTech)

Woodside AI is a venture studio based in Palo Alto, focused on crafting category-defining AI companies in partnership with world-class entrepreneurs and industry market leaders.

Founded by industry titans and a top AI researcher from OpenAI, Woodside AI combines a proven track record of venture building and technical innovation. Our team members have shaped companies such as TSMC, Canva, and DRW, as well as backing disruptors like Anduril, Instacart, and Palantir in their early days. Our unique model of venture building has produced industry shapers such as Digital Asset (raised $135M Series E in 2025), Novaprime (now partnering with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), ErisX (acquired by CBOE in 2022), and Hashnote (acquired by Circle in 2025).

We are fully self-funded and focused on tackling complex industry challenges unlikely to be solved by traditional startups. Our unique approach gives founders and early teams immediate market access, domain expertise, and ample funding to take bold swings with real impact, while saving precious time and energy by staying laser-focused on delivering valuable solutions.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Founding Product Lead to join our EdTech venture, working directly with our CPO. This role is for someone who thrives in early-stage environments and wants to help shape, validate, and launch an MVP that reimagines how K-12 education can leverage AI. You’ll work side by side with engineers, designers, and school stakeholders to build a product that students and teachers actually love.

Unlike a typical startup, this venture is supported by Woodside, giving you access to resources, a strong network, and the backing of a world-class venture studio while still offering the autonomy and equity of a founding role.

What You’ll Do

• Lead product launch cycles including discovery, validation, prototyping, and iteration
• Engage with teachers, students, and school districts to test ideas and refine product direction
• Translate insights into a clear, prioritized product backlog and user stories for engineering and design
• Partner with the UI/UX designer to create prototypes and demos that build momentum toward an MVP
• Collaborate with engineers and the CPO to launch the MVP and pilot with 20 or more schools, establishing strong feedback loops
• Shape the product roadmap toward product-market fit and long-term scale

What We’re Looking For

• Founder mindset and entrepreneurial experience, with a track record of building something from the ground up
• 2+ years in a startup environment working with lean, agile teams
• Strong product management skills with the ability to scope, design, and drive execution with engineers and designers
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including educators
• Passion for education and learning, with a mission-driven approach to improving K-12 outcomes

Nice to Have

• Prior experience in EdTech
• Familiarity with AI development tools such as Cursor, Claude, or Replit
• Ability to quickly turn concepts into visual mocks and user stories