Find the best Startup Consulting jobs
It takes just one job to develop a successful relationship that can propel your career forward.
Find work Interested in hiring?Professionals on Upwork rate clients
on average from 2M+ reviews
Check out a sample of the 104 Startup Consulting jobs posted on Upwork
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
Less than 1 month
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
Having dedicated my full-time efforts to this venture since late January, I am currently in the process of recruiting developers to con…
30+ hrs/week
Hours needed
More than 6 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
We are a startup proprietary trading firm currently in search of a seasoned lawyer who specializes in financial markets and startup law…
$2,000
Fixed-price
Expert
Experience level
We are Currently looking for Start-Up Loan for Our Entertainment Company in UK. The Loan Amount is at £50.000 for the cost of Processin…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
3 to 6 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
Fintech company expanding into the Philippines seeks a consultant. 📍 Position: Senior Market Consultant with a focus on the Philippin…
$100
Fixed-price
Expert
Experience level
Company Registration Specialist Needed for USA Expansion** **Description: ** We are an IT Company, a dynamic [Your Industry] company l…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
Less than 1 month
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
We'd like to draft a simple equity agreement for a contract founding engineer that we're adding to the team. It's a pretty standard opt…
30+ hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
Am looking for a consultant who can lead fundraising effort for our Mobility company in India, which is already Revenue making and scal…
$200
Fixed-price
Expert
Experience level
At Teseo Academy, we are an educational company looking to change the way that we set students up for success in and beyond high school…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
Less than 1 month
Duration
Expert
Experience level
We are looking for a fintech consultant who can provide guidance and expertise in developing and executing a go-to-market (GTM) strateg…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Entry
Experience level
Growing professional business directory listings to paid memberships
can earn $75–$150/hr.
$75 $150
Median hourly rates (USD)
How to Become a Freelance Startup Consultant
Startup consultants are adept at offering their experience in strategy, finance, management, marketing and development. If you have several years of experience in starting a business and enjoy helping budding business owners launch their companies, you may have what it takes to become a freelance startup consultant.
What does a freelance startup consultant do?
A startup consultant assists entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners with navigating the challenges with getting a company off the ground.
A freelance startup consultant specializes in asking startups detailed questions, analyzing market opportunities, developing a business plan, mapping out a growth strategy, making recommendations regarding the hiring process, and much more.
Startup consultants can provide a fresh, independent, and seasoned perspective on a new startup since they’re not emotionally connected to the new startup idea the same way an entrepreneur might be. They can provide sound strategic advice based on facts and the reality of the market rather than emotion.
What skills do I need to become a freelance startup consultant?
A freelance startup consultant can provide a variety of skill sets that would be helpful to entrepreneurs and new business owners. A seasoned startup consultant can provide sound advice around business management and business administration.
A typical freelance business consultant job description may include:
- Ability to think strategically. Freelance startup consultants provide clients with the benefit of strategic thinking. They may be able to see the same situation from 4 or 5 different perspectives. They are likely up-to-date on industry trends and forecasting to inform their strategies.
- Problem-solving skills. Starting a company can be fraught with difficulty. A startup consultant provides a knack for problem-solving, bringing their extensive business acumen and track record of success to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges.
- Management skills. A freelance startup consultant should have seasoned management skills. This can include managing social media channels such as LinkedIn, and Facebook, and setting up business processes for maximum profitability.
- Conceptualization skills. The ability to conceptualize is a skill clients find valuable in startup consultants. Successfully brainstorming about go-to-market strategies, messaging, brand development, product, and service delivery, and more are keys to launching a viable company.
- People skills. Communication skills are key to being a business consultant. Startup consultants can provide honest feedback and needed direction. Interpersonal skills help the consultant interface with every aspect of your organization from human resources to sales.
- Organizational and time management skills. When providing consulting services, startup consultants must manage their time and resources wisely. Consultants must ensure they are adept at scheduling, prioritizing, and completing their work efficiently.
- Objectivity. Entrepreneurs need fair, honest, and accurate feedback as they move through their business strategy. This mentoring is essential for smooth business operations and growth for their client’s business.
What are the core job responsibilities of a freelance startup consultant?
Freelance consulting firms are hired to help entrepreneurs with the launch of a new company.
The core job responsibilities a freelance startup consultant will handle include:
- Collaborating with new clients and key stakeholders within the new company to determine strategy, operations, and overall direction
- Collecting data and providing appraisals of opportunities and threats
- Establishing goals, objectives, and deliverables that include specific timelines
- Developing operational roadmaps and strategic plans designed to reach specific goals and objectives using market research
- Assessing progress, adjusting goals, and realigning strategies after the launch
- Setting up new initiatives and business processes
- Leading the investing and fundraising process to ensure enough capital is raised to begin operations
- Working with sales, marketing, and communications team members to determine the brand, marketing strategies, and sales approach.
Should I get a degree or certification to become a freelance startup consultant?
While it is not necessary to obtain a specific certification to become a freelance startup consultant, most clients will expect their ideal candidate to have at least a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field to the startup’s industry.
Some examples of popular degrees or classes that are helpful to freelance startup consultants include:
- A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in business, marketing, communications, accounting, economics, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college or university
- The Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC) and Accredited SME Consultant (ASMEC)—offered by the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants
Jumpstart your independent consultant practice on Upwork and start looking for your first job. Eager to learn more about freelance startup consultant jobs on Upwork? Check out these additional resources:
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyse and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
Your next job starts right here
Set up a free profile to showcase your skills, experience and desired pay rate to clients. You choose the payment method that's best for you to easily get paid for your work.
Find workGives you security and peace of mind