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From Scottie · July 31, 2026
See next play in a Scottie brief
Scottie read next play for a reader with the priorities shown below. Start with the rundown, open the full brief, or check every issue behind it.
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5stories included
4 of 5 next play issues included
What shaped this brief
Reader priorities
A startup professional looking for concrete roles, hiring signals, and tactics for reaching companies before a job is widely advertised.
These are illustrative priorities, not a customer’s data.
Sources in this brief
- next playThe publication this guide is about
Scottie
Scottie example brief
July 31, 2026 · Executive brief
01 / The rundown
- Fresh hiring data identifies 36 startups recruiting across 50 roles, giving job seekers clear signals to target expanding teams early.
- Developer tool startup Speakeasy expanded into AI security control planes while staying profitable, demonstrating rapid execution and growth.
- Early-stage startups like Paper and Posh are filling foundational roles, providing opportunities to join leadership teams before public hiring pushes.
Read the complete brief 5 stories · 3 action items
02 / The briefing
01 / main
Bypass the job board queue by cold emailing hiring managers
The takeaway: Pitching hiring managers directly remains a top strategy to uncover unadvertised startup roles. Reaching out cold to founders, mentors, or potential collaborators helps you secure conversations before public listings even open.
Concrete details
- Direct outreach targets hiring managers, company founders, mentors, and prospective collaborators for early role discovery.
- Joining dedicated founder networks provides direct contact details for startup leaders actively expanding teams.
Why it matters for this reader: Since you want to reach startups before job openings go wide, pitching hiring managers directly helps you land unannounced opportunities.
Original sourcesnext play
02 / main
Early-stage startups recruit for first business and leadership roles
The takeaway: Early teams and scaling startups are filling pivotal positions. AI design platform Paper is hiring its first business person, Posh seeks a head of people, and an AWS Product Lead is scouting co-founders.
Concrete details
- Paper seeks its first business lead for an AI-powered design platform.
- Posh is hiring a head of people to support its live events platform serving over 8 million users.
Why it matters for this reader: These early leadership roles give you direct access to founders and high-impact positions across rapidly expanding startup teams.
Original sourcesnext play
03 / main
Harmonic data reveals 36 startups actively hiring across 50 roles
The takeaway: Startup intelligence platform Harmonic identified 36 growth-stage companies actively filling over 50 open positions. Opportunities span defense tech, legal AI, open-source databases, and space platforms across major global hubs.
Concrete details
- Startup database Harmonic sourced 36 actively recruiting companies offering more than 50 open positions.
- Open roles span sectors including autonomous surface vessels, legal AI platforms, and high-power satellite systems.
Why it matters for this reader: Sourcing active hiring signals lets you filter expanding companies fast and position yourself ahead of competitive application waves.
Original sourcesnext play
04 / main
Speakeasy builds an AI control plane with engineering-led culture
The takeaway: Developer infrastructure startup Speakeasy pivoted to build an AI control plane for enterprise security. Operating profitably with a 30-person team across San Francisco and London, the company runs with zero product managers.
Concrete details
- Speakeasy raised a $15 million Series A in 2024 and currently operates as a profitable 30-person team.
- MoonPay uses Speakeasy to govern 32,000 sessions, 1 million tool calls, and 50 billion tokens monthly.
Why it matters for this reader: Understanding Speakeasy's flat, engineer-driven structure gives you target intelligence if you want to join an autonomous, high-growth startup.
Original sourcesnext play
05 / main
Curated directory connects builders with potential co-founders
The takeaway: Finding the right co-builder takes time, but a new directory maps out active candidates. The curated list features software engineers, salespeople, and former founders seeking co-founders or project partners.
Concrete details
- The curated roster brings together software engineers, sales specialists, and experienced former startup founders.
- Candidates on the platform are actively seeking partners to launch new companies or collaborate on projects.
Why it matters for this reader: If you are evaluating early startup creation alongside prospective roles, this list gives you immediate access to potential co-founders.
Original sourcesnext play
Action items
- Cold email three startup founders or hiring managers this week to pitch yourself before roles are advertised.
- Review the Harmonic list of 36 hiring companies to target high-growth startups before application queues multiply.
- Reach out to early teams like Paper or Posh to explore unannounced leadership opportunities.
See every issue behind this brief
Guide to Cold Emailing Hiring Managers
- First business person at Paper, AWS Product Lead, head of people role at Poshnext play · Included
36 Companies Actively Recruiting for 50+ Roles
- 36 companies actively recruiting for 50+ rolesnext play · Included
Company Spotlight: Speakeasy Opportunities
- Should you join: Speakeasynext play · Included
List of Potential Co-Founders (Part 2)
- List of people open to meeting a co-founder (part 2)next play · Included
Startup idea sources
- Sources to find startup and project ideasnext play · Read, not included
About next play
Should you add next play to Scottie?
Find and pursue startup roles through current openings and practical outreach advice.[1][2][3]
Who it’s for
A startup professional looking for concrete roles, hiring signals, and tactics for reaching companies before a job is widely advertised.[1][2]
What you’ll find in it
The issues linked below include “The guide to getting a job with cold email”, “First business person at Paper, AWS Product Lead, head of people role at Posh”, and “36 companies actively recruiting for 50+ roles”. Open them to judge the publication in its own words.
- Byline
- Ben Lang[1]
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