The AI Operator's Playbook - How to Scale Your Team & Secure Funding
Most early-stage founders treat hiring as a fire drill (especially in the AI era), but Richard Hughes (Gutter Capital) proves it must be a core competency.
Join Startup Grind on December 9th as we dismantle the standard startup recruiting playbook. We’ll cover Richard's philosophy on hiring fewer people, hiring them better, and keeping them longer.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Cross-Functional Evaluation: How to assess and validate candidates in areas outside your own expertise (e.g., a non-technical founder hiring their first AI engineer).
The Closing Framework: A structured approach for decision-making during late-stage negotiations to secure top prospects without losing leverage.
Lo-Fi Talent Magnets: Scrappy, low-cost methods to position your company as a destination for top-tier talent, even before you have the brand recognition.
The "Curve of Excellence": How to structure an interview process that builds conviction over time rather than just checking functional boxes.
We'll also dive into Gutter's new Elbow Grease AI accelerator, which is deploying $300k to founders solving real-world problems. Get the specific selection criteria for this NYC-based program directly from the partner leading the search.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Pre-seed/Seed founders building their founding teams.
- Operators looking to transition into high-growth startup roles.
- AI builders interested in the Elbow Grease accelerator program.
Stop guessing at growth & start building a team that lasts. Register now to connect directly with an investor who rolls up his sleeves & executes alongside you.
Tickets for this event include food and drinks, as well as exclusive access to this VC who will change the way you're building teams.
You'll also meet dozens of other high-performing entrepreneurs who are creating their next big thing. Seriously, it's some of the best founder networking in the city.
Getting a ticket guarantees admission. No waitlisting.