Sam Hou: from corporate to startup

2 Minute Read

Before Jumpstart, Sam spent most of his time getting to grips with the corporate world. From working as an investment analyst at CSOP – an asset management firm based in Hong Kong – to taking part in consultancy projects at Imperial, he wasn’t always so interested in startups:

“It was the complete opposite for me, actually. I grew up with family and friends who relentlessly pursued opportunities in corporates. It wasn’t until I got to London that I discovered just how vibrant the startup ecosystem is and considered it as a career option.”

After getting more excited by the startup world, Sam took part in our May 2021 generalist cohort. A highlight of his experience were our startup spotlights – where 50+ startup founders pitch to you over zoom about why you should work for them.

“Jumpstart is hands down a game-changer. You get to have some of the UK and EU’s most exciting startups asking you to work for them. Sounds almost too good to be true, but that’s exactly how it plays out.

The application process is also so different from what you’re accustomed to – no more submitting cover letters, waiting months for a response. Here, you can potentially land an offer within two weeks.”

“Despite having zero e-commerce experience, within two months I was given full P&L ownership of a brand that does millions in revenue per year. To this day that is still insane to think about.”
Sam Hou, Brand Manager at Heroes and Jumpstart Alumni

Sam first secured a Junior Brand Manager role through our programme, but was promoted after 7 months! He’s now Brand Manager at Heroes, an e-commerce company that buys, operates, and scales consumer brands.

“Heroes is on a mission to build the next big consumer goods company, while empowering entrepreneurs around the world to live the lives they have always wanted.”

Reflecting on his time working at Heroes, Sam had some thoughts on what makes their company culture so great:

“I think it’s giving everyone the opportunity to make a difference. Despite having zero e-commerce experience, within two months I was given full P&L ownership of a brand that does millions in revenue per year. To this day that is still insane to think about.”