BLANKSLATE Partners

Chief Operating Officer

• Build, document, and continuously improve core operating processes to ensure the efficient and effective day-to-day running of the company.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical, cost-effective improvements that maximize productivity, speed, and quality.
• Establish and track key operational metrics, using data to assess performance and drive informed decision-making.
• Optimize the use of company resources, including people, technology, vendors, and tools, to support scalability and capital efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements, including data privacy, child safety considerations, and workplace standards.
• Create lightweight but investor-ready operational systems appropriate for an early-stage, pre-revenue company.
• Lead financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to support the long-term health and growth of the business.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and cash-flow models, ensuring runway visibility and disciplined spend.
• Translate financial data into actionable insights to guide strategy, prioritization, and investment decisions.
• Support fundraising efforts by preparing credible financial projections, use-of-funds plans, and investor-ready materials.
• Balance mission-driven decision-making with commercial and financial rigor.
• Act as a values-driven leader, contributing operational expertise to hiring and building a high-performing, mission-aligned team.
• Partner with the Founder/CEO to define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations as the company grows.
• Create an environment that attracts, motivates, and retains top talent, even in a resource-constrained startup setting.
• Identify skills gaps early and implement training, upskilling, and reskilling strategies to strengthen team capability.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and psychologically safe culture that reflects Karuna’s commitment to compassion, empathy, and growth.

Co-Founder, COO