Founding Account Executive - US

Ankar • New York, NY

18h

About The Position

Ankar is building the AI operating system for innovation, reinventing how companies generate and protect their inventions. Their platform orchestrates how ideas become defensible IP with a suite of AI modules such as patent drafting, office action response, and infringement detection. The company has raised over $24M from Tier-1 VCs and angels, and is currently working with Fortune 500 companies like L’Oréal and global law firms such as Vorys. They are expanding their world-class team with alumni from Palantir, Amazon, and BCG to tackle the $1T+ innovation market. Ankar is seeking individuals who will take ownership of ambitious projects, solve complex and high-impact problems, and play a defining role in building their US presence, bringing a new generation of AI-driven capabilities to market from the ground up. The US is identified as their largest market, already having early customers, pipeline, and revenue (mid-five to mid-six figure ARR). Over the next year, Ankar aims to close multiple six-figure US enterprise accounts, lay the foundations for long-term US infrastructure and leadership, build their first US enterprise sales pod (AEs, patent engineers, GTM support), and establish Ankar as a category leader in AI for innovation creation and protection in the US.

Requirements

• Proven 0→1 closer: Demonstrated track record of independently generating pipeline, running an enterprise sales motion and closing multiple 6-figure entreprise deals. You don’t wait for leads; you create and convert them.
• End-to-end ownership: Able to run the full sales cycle autonomously, from first touch to close, while leveraging founders for strategic moments (exec alignment, complex negotiations).
• Pipeline builder, not pipeline manager: Comfortable operating without brand pull or established playbooks. You know how to break into accounts, multi-thread, and create momentum from scratch.
• Executive presence: Credible with C-level stakeholders. You can navigate complex organizations, build trust quickly, and drive decisions across multiple stakeholders.
• Thrives in ambiguity: Operates effectively in an unstructured, fast-moving environment. You don’t need a playbook; you help build it.
• High slope, low ego: Curious, coachable, and intellectually honest. You actively seek feedback and iterate fast.
• Intensity and drive: High energy, high urgency, and deeply motivated by revenue and impact. You show up, push deals forward, and don’t let them stall.

Nice To Haves

• Have sold into patent, legal, or R&D teams (IP, innovation, engineering orgs) this will help reduce ramp, but not required
• Have closed deals in ambiguous products / early-stage startups (no clear category, evolving positioning). This is a strong proxy for success at Ankar
• Have experience selling technical or AI-driven product, especially where you had to translate complexity into business value
• Have built pipeline in new markets or geographies from scratch, this is directly relevant to our US expansion
• Have worked closely with founders on deals. This signals your ability to leverage (not depend on) exec involvement.
• Have consistently outperformed quota in a high-scrutiny environment e.g. early-stage startup, new segment, or competitive category

Responsibilities

• Flesh out and develop the US revenue playbook - work with founders to develop the consistent, predictable and scalable motions, proving by way of doing - action and delivery.
• Own and drive the end-to-end US sales process: prospecting, discovery, demos, solution positioning, negotiation, and closing (deals ranging $100K-1M ACV)
• Build and manage a strong pipeline via outbound, inbound, and industry events.
• Develop trusted, long-term relationships with prospects and customers, supporting Ankar’s client base and market position.
• Develop and execute our GTM strategy by bringing messaging, ICPs, and sales methodologies to life with rigour and disciplined processes.
• Develop and deliver compelling presentations, proposals, and reports tailored to customer needs.
• Partner with the founders and the broader sales team to refine our sales processes, share market insights, and contribute to a culture of learning and improvement.
• Collaborate with marketing, product, and engineering to provide feedback and influence our roadmap and go-to-market initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed