Head of Operations

Join to apply for the Head of Operations/COO role at Cold Start

Cold Start is looking for an exceptional Head of Operations / COO in SF or NYC to drive internal operations and support new companies in our portfolio. Each company we incubate is backed by tier‑1 VCs with $1.5M+ in committed day‑one capital
. Our ventures benefit from a tested playbook that drives a 6× higher survival rate to Series B than the industry average –
creating over $2B in portfolio value
, including breakout successes such as 3Y Health and Berry Street.

We’re seeking a Head of Operations / COO to own and scale Cold Start’s internal operations while supporting our growing portfolio of venture‑backed startups. This is a high‑impact, high‑visibility role suited for a dynamic operator with a finance or consulting background – someone equally comfortable modeling cash flows, negotiating vendor agreements, and structuring multi‑entity operations.

This is an ideal fit for a former investment banker, management consultant, Chief of Staff, or business operations leader
— especially someone who’s worked in VC‑backed, early‑stage, or high‑growth environments and thrives in fast‑paced, ambiguous settings.

• Lead day‑to‑day operations for Cold Start Ventures and provide operational support to incubated startups
• Oversee financial planning, reporting, and compliance — from multi‑entity structuring and capital allocation to vendor management and audit readiness
• Develop and present partner‑ and investor‑ready materials, including performance dashboards and partner updates
• Drive special projects with founders including market analysis, fundraising processes, and GTM support
• Serveas a strategic partner to leadership on business development, venture structuring, and growth initiatives

• 5–8+ years of experience in investment banking, management consulting, venture/business operations, or finance leadership roles
• Able to come into our office in SF or NYC
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to interpret data, manage budgets, and build scalable operational systems
• Proven experience operating in startup or early‑stage environments, comfortable with rapid change and context‑switching
• Exceptional communicator –
  able to synthesize complex information for executives, founders, and investors
• Resourceful, execution‑driven, and detail‑oriented, with a track record of leading cross‑functional initiatives

• Experience in healthcare, fintech, or AI‑driven businesses
• Familiarity with fund administration, venture capital, or legal ops
• Multi‑entity or international operations experience

• $2B+ portfolio value created – including 3Y Health and Berry Street
• True co‑founder influence – your voice, equity, and leadership directly shape our future companies
• High autonomy and direct exposure to exceptional founders, investors, and early‑stage building
• Competitive compensation and equity

Ready to help us build the next generation of startups? Apply now.