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Founding COO – Path to Co-founder
This position is only for individuals currently located in the United States with valid work authorization. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Location: Austin, Texas (Hybrid) – Open to candidates willing to relocate once the office is established.
Role Type: Part-Time/Fractional (Pre-Revenue) transitioning to Full-Time (Post-Revenue)
About Cypher Tech
Cypher Tech (https://cyphertech.co) is pioneering intelligent solutions that put people first, empowering human potential and meaningful connections through innovation. Our ecosystem of products is built, functional, and ready for market. Now, we need a passionate, hands-on leader to help us bring them to the world.
Our core portfolio includes:
• SafeSpace® (https://makesafe.space) – Our signature platform empowering organizations to build inclusive, high-performing cultures. It enables proactive issue identification and resolution by harnessing privacy, anonymity, security, and AI solutions built by Cypher Tech from the ground up.
• AskCyph™ AI (https://askcyph.ai) – A unified AI creation platform with an OpenAI-compatible API. Features include Magik™ Builder for instant app creation, chatbot deployment to websites, Teams, and Slack, Magik™ Image and Video Editors, an audio suite with 25+ language support, and multi-model AI access for reasoning, code, vision, and media generation.
• CypherChat® (https://cypherchat.app) – A privacy-focused messaging platform with end-to-end encryption, anonymous sign-up, peer-to-peer communication, and integrated AskCyph™ AI capabilities.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Founding COO to partner directly with the CEO/Founder. This is a ground-floor opportunity for a resourceful, self-directed leader who thrives in an early-stage environment and prefers being a hands-on operator rather than a delegator.
Because our tech is already built, your immediate focus will be driving market traction. This role will begin as a flexible, equity-compensated commitment and scale into a salaried, full-time position as we secure our early clients.
Key Responsibilities
1. Go-To-Market & Sales Execution
• Own and execute customer acquisition, sales outreach, and marketing efforts from the ground up.
• Leverage your network to open doors, secure introductions, and generate early traction.
• Lead product demos, iterate on positioning based on market feedback, and manage strategic partnerships.
2. Operations & Financial Management
• Oversee day-to-day operations for SafeSpace and the broader Cypher Tech ecosystem.
• Manage company accounting, record-keeping, and expense oversight with accuracy.
• Ensure all tax, contractor, and vendor obligations (including 1099 filings and related documentation) are handled accurately and on time.
• Maintain full transparency and cooperation on all financial and regulatory matters.
• Partner closely with the CEO on fundraising strategy, investor outreach, and pitch preparation.
3. Product Strategy & Compliance
• Translate customer feedback into effective product workflows, collaborating with engineering via Agile methodologies.
• Work with legal counsel to maintain strict regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, Whistleblower laws) and protect IP (Patents/Trademarks).
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive data.
4. Leadership & Industry Presence
• Serve as a credible senior contact for C-Suite leaders, advisors, and decision-makers.
• Represent Cypher Tech at conferences, panels, and networking events; actively seek thought leadership opportunities.
• Coordinate with leadership in advance on any external initiatives, events, or commitments made on behalf of Cypher Tech.
• Set the tone for a positive, diverse, and high-performing culture, navigating challenges with calm professionalism.
•Willingness to take bold bets on ideas that challenge the status quo and disrupt established fields.
Qualifications
• Experience: Prior experience as a COO, VP of Operations, or Director of Operations in a B2B SaaS startup (HR Tech highly preferred). Also open to CPO/CHRO candidates with a strong desire to grow rapidly into an operational and commercial leadership role.
• Network: Active involvement in HR Tech, People Tech, and investor networks (e.g., PeopleTech Partners, SemperVirens, Transform, SHRM Executive Network, SHRM Labs).
• Execution: Proven ability to personally drive sales and GTM execution, not just oversee a team.
• Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of HIPAA, privacy laws, financial concepts, and regulatory compliance.
• Startup DNA: Financially self-sufficient and comfortable operating in a pre-funding, lean startup environment. Demonstrated integrity and follow-through on commitments, with a track record of aligning actions with words.
• Vision: Ability and ambition to go beyond HR and oversee Cypher Tech’s diverse product range, spanning workplace safety, AI creation tools, and secure communications, as the company scales.
• Must be located in the United States with valid work authorization. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Additional Preferred Skills
• Familiarity with employee feedback and relations systems (e.g., Navex, HR Acuity, CultureAmp, Lattice, AllVoices, SpeakUp).
• Understanding of AI terminology and concepts (e.g., APIs, Image/Video Generation, RAG) and a habit of leveraging AI tools (Copilot, Claude, AskCyph) for productivity.
• Knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies.
• Prior experience as a Board Advisor or Director.
• A strong advocate for “Tech for Good,” using innovation to empower vulnerable populations.
Compensation & Path Forward
Pre-Revenue (Current Stage)
• Structure: Part-time, fractional, flexible hours (Remote).
• Compensation: Equity-only arrangement. Candidates must be financially positioned to contribute without immediate salaried compensation. The first salary drawn upon securing a paying client will be yours.
• Equity: Equity percentage and vesting terms to be discussed with qualified candidates.
• Growth: The right candidate will have a clear path to a Co-Founder designation based on mutual alignment and the accomplishment of initial goals set on mutual agreement.
Post-Revenue/Funding
• Structure: Full-time (Hybrid in Austin, TX).
• Compensation: Equity + Market Competitive Salary + Health Insurance + Benefits (TBD).
Why Cypher Tech
• Our products are built and functional. The hardest technical work is done. You are joining at the moment when the right person can make the biggest impact.
• Play a key role in shaping Cypher Tech’s growth as a C-suite leader from day one.
• High visibility, direct impact, and rapid growth opportunities as the company scales.
• Close collaboration with the CEO/Founder and a growing network of advisors and industry partners.
• Contribute to a long-term vision of Tech for Good initiatives.
• Be part of building something meaningful for an equitable, connected world.
A Note from Our Founder, Danish Jaffer
I am 100% committed to this mission. I welcome any questions regarding due diligence, work ethic, philosophy, and our passion for creating inclusive workplaces where every employee’s voice matters and mental health is prioritized.
We value transparency, mutual accountability, and alignment between what we say and what we do. If you share that philosophy, we’d love to hear from you.
