grozzy1220

Head of Sales

Seeking Advice on Accepting a Job Offer in an Early-Stage SaaS Healthcare Company

I recently had a meeting with the CEO and Co-founder of a SaaS company in the healthcare vertical. They've been in operation for just over a year, 15 employees, raised seed round, have 20+ customers, and hit a little over $1 million in ARR. All business has been inbound. No outbound strategy in place.

They're looking to hire an Account Executive (AE). Given my background in defining Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies for companies, I'm intrigued by the opportunity to help them shape their GTM approach. However, I'm concerned about certain risks, such as the absence of a clearly defined product-market fit and a standard sales process. With no historical data on outbound sales performance, commission estimates become quite uncertain. To address this, I have negotiated a higher base salary.

I'm also considering requesting a letter of commitment from the employer, ensuring a minimum of 12 months of employment. I don't want to jump in this and it doesn't work out due to factors beyond my control and get the can.

I'd appreciate insights from anyone who has taken a similar step or has advice on navigating this situation. Thx!

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17 comments

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braintank

Politicker

2

Enterprise Account Executive

Hard pass, red flags all over the place.
Are you currently employed @grozzy1220?

grozzy1220

Contributor

2

Head of Sales

No, I've been unemployed for 3 months.

grozzy1220

Contributor

1

Head of Sales

What are the red flags?

braintank

Politicker

3

Enterprise Account Executive

Lack of PMF in a notoriously tough industry.

jefe

Arsonist

2

🍁

This. I think everything else is doable, but PMF is so key.
That being said, OP isn't working so it might be worth it.

braintank

Politicker

1

Enterprise Account Executive

Yeah -- if you need a job this is a job.
However, if you're in a position to be picky then I'd keep looking. Hell, even if you end up here I'd keep looking.

jefe

Arsonist

3

🍁

Exactly this. Take it, take the base. Try and make it work but also keep on casting lines.

DataCorrupter

Politicker

2

Account Executive

Agreed here. PMF should be your number 1 or 2 (arguable) concern.

The fact they don't have it or are going to be searching for it while you're in the seat means you're getting on a rollercoaster in the dark. I'd be 120% sure that the CEO is going to be a good partner while going through it, or else they'll scapegoat you in a 6 months and say YOU couldn't figure it out.

LambyCorn

Arsonist

2

A mfkn E

If you need it take it of course. If you aren't in an urgent spot, get something else. Sorry, I know its not a lot of help this but this was my first thought. Good luck

GDO

Politicker

2

BDM

if you're unemployed I would consider it. If you're employed I'd probably pass

CuriousFox

WR Officer

2

🦊

I mean if you need a job then take it. And continue your search quietly.

Pachacuti

Politicker

2

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Being that you're currently unemployed, take it. Especially if they agree to the 12 months. But that probably handcuffs you to the 12 months as well.
That said, having a job, even one with "red flags" is preferable to not having a job.

Beans

Big Shot

2

Enterprise Account Executive

This is very familiar to me, be careful.

grozzy1220

Contributor

1

Head of Sales

Any words of wisdom from a vet? :)

Beans

Big Shot

1

Enterprise Account Executive

Get a deep understanding of their market research so far, TAM SAM SOM, their funding and burn rate, their budgeting for tools and eventual hiring plan/associated milestones.

And have your comp plan well in hand prior to signing to review any red flags.

MoreCompassion

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

This was exactly the situation for the first sales job I had.1. Are all the 15-20 customers in 1 country/industry?
2. Who are you selling to? Hospitals are known for long long sales cycles.
3. How did the inbound leads come in? Was it actually conferences?
4. How is the adoption in current customers?
5. NRR?

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

0

Sales Rep

Take it and continue to have feelers out there

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