What is the role of “Operations” within a Startup?

Operations is a role fit for a problem solver, a fixer, a doer, and it takes a very special person to endure that job in the uncertain world of startups. I say special because you need to be organized, persistent and above all curious and hungry for data. Mastering it all with impressive communication skills.?

This is an indispensable role within any organization, but for startups it’s the heart, but why?

A startup is a company that is right in the initial stage of a business, focusing on an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and trying to deliver a disruptive and innovative idea to market. And the caveat is doing all of that with short staff and funding rounds from Venture Capitals. It’s a high risk game with an “all-in” mindset. Go big or go home.

Having the right person in Operations leaves Founders to focus on what they need to thrive. On one hand making sure the company has the necessary funding and team, and on the other implementing the MVP with a robust and innovative technical product. The glue that keeps all areas together, creates structure, implements processes and elevates the company is Operations. This article resonates more with pre-seed and seed startups, due to the size of the team, although it could also be applicable for series A startups.

I’ve been working in startup Operations since 2016, and the best way to describe it is: You wear different hats every day, never know what comes ahead, learn new things, overcome challenges … and then everything starts again the next day!

I mainly feel like a firefighter because I’m always extinguishing some kind of a fire.

And you know what? I love it!?

Why is it so hard to describe Operations?

• We are not legal, because we are not lawyers, but we know how to make / review contracts and legal documents such as board minutes, SLA’s, investment agreements, SOP’s…;
• We are not HR, but we hire people, onboard / offboard them, try to bond and build a unique experience for them in the company. When no one is available, it’s Operations that does 1:1, instigates L&D and gathers info about the wellbeing of the team;
• We are not accountants, but we know how to handle financial tasks such as invoices management, payments, bookkeeping, comply with regulations and review P&L’s and BS. And yes, we know how to forecast;
• We manage day to day operations, that being said it’s not only office management but inventory, purchases, travels and accommodation, among others;
• And finally, Operations is the right arm for every founder, helping them with fundraising, investor reports, due diligence procedures and overall document preparation, such as pitch decks or roadmaps.

Operations is a Generalist role in its core. You don’t need to have a lot of experience in all of these areas, but you do need to be able to ask questions, hustle and learn every single day.?

Operations is about keeping everything running smoothly, so, if you are doing a great job, then it's probable that no one will hear about you. Sorry… ??

?? I help startups keep track of day-to-day operations by simplifying data flow within the company and between shareholders. This article is based on my experience working in Startup Operations. All feedback is welcome ??

#operations #startups #strategy