Analysis

April 13, 2023

What does a startup COO actually do?

Four European startup COOs explain their role, the challenges and the skills you need for success


A chief operating officer — or COO — is typically the person who keeps a business ticking over, and is usually the second in command to the CEO. For early-stage startups, it’s likely that the COO is an early employee or cofounder who knows the ins and outs of each part of the company's operations like the back of their hand. 

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Glen Walker, COO of household bills management tool, Nous.
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Chief operating officer of fintech Pleo, Thorbjørn Fink
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Fern Wake, chief operating officer at Packfleet, a fully electric parcel courier.
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Jack Waley-Cohen, chief operating officer at navigation platform what3words
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