General Manager, Startpage

About Startpage

Startpage is System1’s flagship privacy technology brand, delivering high-quality private search, browsing, and AI experiences to millions worldwide. Founded in the Netherlands and built on privacy-by-design, Startpage operates the world’s second-largest private search engine for users who demand a safer, better web.

Startpage is a profitable, scaled global business generating significant revenue, gross profit, and EBITDA, with a loyal and growing international user base.

Core Mandate

• Transform Startpage into an AI-native search and discovery platform
• Redefine privacy-first search experiences beyond traditional query-response models
• Reinvent monetization models for AI-enhanced search
• Embed AI into core operating workflows across product, marketing, analytics, and operations
• Deliver sustained user and query growth while maintaining disciplined profitability

Growth & Distribution Acceleration

• Drive global user and query growth through product expansion, performance marketing, lifecycle initiatives, and content/community strategies
• Expand distribution via browsers, OEMs, privacy platforms, and publishers
• Originate, structure, negotiate, and close high-impact strategic partnerships
• Increase experimentation velocity through AI-assisted insights and automation

AI-Native Product Reinvention

• Define and execute the long-term vision and multi-quarter roadmap for AI-enhanced, privacy-first search and browsing experiences
• Develop differentiated AI-powered user experiences within privacy-by-design principles
• Evaluate build, partner, and acquisition strategies for AI capabilities
• Ensure AI innovation enhances trust, transparency, and user control

Monetization & Financial Discipline

• Reimagine monetization models for AI-enhanced search experiences
• Optimize yield with search, advertising, and feed partners while maintaining privacy alignment
• Drive disciplined forecasting, capital allocation, and margin management
• Improve unit economics and long-term scalability
• Deliver transformation while protecting EBITDA and financial resilience

AI-Augmented Operating Model

• Redesign internal workflows to be AI-first across product, growth, analytics, and operations
• Shorten build-test-scale cycles through automation and intelligent tooling

Leadership & Cultural Transformation

• Build and lead an AI-fluent, high-performance leadership team
• Foster a culture of experimentation, speed, accountability, and intelligent risk-taking
• Recruit and develop talent that thrives in AI-native environments
• Serve as a credible spokesperson for Startpage with users, partners, media, and the global privacy community