The First 3 Hires for Your ParentTech Startup
Starting a ParentTech company is a big deal. You’re not just launching a product; you’re building something that could really make a difference for parents and families. But here’s the thing — you can’t do it all by yourself. To turn your vision into a scalable and profitable business, you need the right people on your team.
The tough part? Figuring out who to hire first, especially when funds are tight and every dollar counts.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve secured your first round of funding, these are the three critical hires every ParentTech startup needs to build a solid foundation.
1. A Product Manager Who Gets Your Vision
Why You Need Them:
Your product is the core of your startup. It’s the reason you’re in business, and it needs to be (as close to) perfect (as possible). But as the founder, you’re juggling everything from operations to investor pitches. That’s where a Product Manager comes in. This person ensures your product development stays on track, aligns with your vision, and evolves as your business grows.
When to Hire:
Once you’ve secured initial funding and have a clear product roadmap, it’s time to bring in a Product Manager. Ideally, this hire should happen after your seed round or early Series A, depending on your capital. They’ll be the one turning your ideas into a market-ready product that parents will love.
Why It Matters:
In ParentTech, user experience is everything. A Product Manager who understands your vision will make sure your product doesn’t just meet expectations but exceeds them. They’ll also free you up to focus on scaling the business and securing further funding.
2. A Marketing Leader (Fractional or Full-Time)
Why You Need Them:
Creating an amazing product is just the beginning. You need to get it in front of the people who need it most. This is where a Marketing Leader comes in. Whether you opt for a full-time hire or a fractional CMO, having a marketing expert on your team is essential for building brand awareness and driving growth.
When to Hire:
As soon as your product is ready for market, marketing should be a top priority. If budget is tight, consider bringing in a Fractional Marketing Leader or agency (like CHC) that can provide strategic direction without the full-time commitment. This approach is especially useful during the pre-launch phase or as you’re preparing for a major funding round.
Why It Matters:
ParentTech is a competitive space, and standing out is crucial. A Marketing Leader will craft messaging that resonates with parents, create campaigns that get noticed, and execute strategies that drive conversions. A fractional option gives you access to high-level expertise while keeping costs under control.
Pro Tip:
Consider working with a fractional CMO or a specialized agency who brings deep experience in the ParentTech space. This gives you the strategic marketing expertise you need without the overhead of a full-time hire. Want to chat about what this could look like? Let’s hop on the phone.
3. A Customer Success Specialist Who Puts Parents First
Why You Need Them:
Your customers are parents, and they have high expectations. They need a product that works seamlessly and customer service that’s responsive and empathetic. A Customer Success Specialist ensures that your users have a positive experience from day one, turning them into loyal advocates for your brand.
When to Hire:
Once you’ve launched and started gaining traction, it’s time to think about customer success. This hire can be made post-launch, ideally when you have enough customers to justify dedicated support. If funding is still tight, consider starting with part-time or contract support until you can scale up.
Why It Matters:
Word-of-mouth is powerful in the parenting community. Happy customers are more likely to recommend your product to others, leading to organic growth. A Customer Success Specialist ensures that every interaction with your brand is positive, which is critical for building long-term loyalty.
Building a successful ParentTech startup requires more than just a great product — it requires the right people. By strategically hiring a Product Manager, a Marketing Leader, and a Customer Success Specialist, you’re setting your business up for growth and success.
And remember, if you’re not ready for full-time hires, fractional talent and agencies can provide the expertise you need without the full-time costs. At CHC, we specialize in strategic marketing and fractional CMO services that can help you craft and execute a winning marketing strategy, so you can focus on what you do best: innovating for parents.
