**Commercial Co-Founder – Sports Sponsorship & Strategic Partnerships**
**Company:** Athlete Journey Partnerships (AJP)
**Location:** Israel-based business, fully remote opportunity, open internationally
**Opportunity:** Active commercial co-founder, 10–20% equity (negotiable), no guaranteed salary initially
Athlete Journey Partnerships (AJP) is an emerging international athlete sponsorship and commercial partnerships business. We work with ambitious athletes and sporting organisations to develop commercial opportunities, secure brand partnerships and build sustainable relationships beyond sporting performance.
AJP already has its brand, website, athlete representation programme, initial athlete relationships, commercial outreach infrastructure and an athlete networking platform, AJP Connect, in development.
We are now seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial Commercial Co-Founder to work directly alongside the founder and take responsibility for sponsorship revenue, commercial partnerships and business growth.
**The person we need**
An experienced sports sponsorship, commercial partnerships or business development professional with a demonstrable track record of personally sourcing, negotiating and closing revenue-generating agreements.
Ideally, this person already has established relationships with brand marketing directors, CMOs, sponsorship managers, commercial directors, business owners, agencies or other corporate decision-makers.
Experience in sports marketing, athlete representation, sponsorship agencies, sports rights, brand activation or commercial sports partnerships would be particularly valuable.
We are also open to exceptional B2B commercial leaders from outside sport who have strong brand relationships, proven deal-closing ability and a genuine interest in the sports industry.
**Key responsibilities**
- Identify, approach and secure corporate sponsors for athletes and sporting projects represented by AJP.
- Open conversations with relevant brand decision-makers through existing relationships and targeted prospecting.
- Personally lead sponsorship negotiations and close commercial agreements.
- Develop AJP's sponsorship packages, commercial pricing and revenue strategy.
- Build strategic relationships with international brands, sports organisations, agencies and commercial partners.
- Help convert AJP's existing athlete portfolio and growing international network into sustainable revenue.
- Develop repeatable sponsorship sales processes and support the future growth of AJP.
- Work alongside the founder on strategic decisions, commercial expansion and long-term business development.
**Essential experience and qualities**
- Proven success in securing sponsorships, commercial partnerships or significant B2B agreements.
- Strong negotiation, relationship-building and deal-closing capabilities.
- Access to relevant commercial decision-makers, or demonstrated ability to build those relationships.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, commercial judgement and willingness to take ownership.
- Ability to operate independently and generate measurable commercial results.
- Strong professional English communication skills.
- Genuine interest in helping athletes build commercially sustainable careers.
**Co-founder arrangement**
This is a genuine opportunity to become an active business partner and help build AJP internationally.
We are offering a negotiable 10–20% equity stake, subject to responsibilities, experience, agreed milestones, vesting and formal legal agreements.
There is no guaranteed salary at this early stage. A performance-based commercial revenue-sharing arrangement may also be discussed.
We are seeking someone who understands the risks and opportunities of an early-stage venture and is motivated to build long-term enterprise value alongside the founder.
**Initial objectives**
The immediate priority is securing AJP's first significant sponsorship agreements, establishing reliable commercial revenue and developing relationships with brands that can support multiple athletes and sporting programmes.
**Important:** We are not looking for a passive investor, general business consultant, commission-only sales freelancer or someone primarily seeking a salaried position. We need a committed, hands-on commercial co-founder who can help originate and close real business.
**Applicants should explain:**
1. Which sponsorship or commercial partnership deals they have personally secured.
2. What types of brand and commercial decision-maker relationships they already have.
3. Why they are interested in joining an early-stage, equity-based sports business.
4. How they would approach generating AJP's first meaningful sponsorship revenue.
