Curviate buyers: prospects (?)

Harry Dooley

Harry Dooley, 33, is a dedicated Platform Engineer at a San Francisco-based AI startup, where he's been for the past two years. His journey into AI platform engineering stemmed from a deep fascination with automating complex processes, a passion ignited during his BS in Computer Science. He thrives in environments that demand both technical acumen and rapid iteration, values that are core to his work at the fast-paced startup. Harry's current focus is on building sophisticated LinkedIn-native agents, a challenging endeavor that requires him to meticulously wire private workflows into their internal agent stack. This involves a significant amount of hands-on development, including writing and stress-testing Playwright scripts, architecting robust API calls, and optimizing prompt loops. He tests these components against real LinkedIn accounts, a critical step for ensuring practical functionality. His commitment to privacy-conscious engineering is paramount; he believes that automation should enhance productivity without compromising user data security. He often spends late afternoons discussing edge cases and reviewing logs with his sole engineering colleague, ensuring the systems are as resilient as possible. Outside of work, Harry is a private individual who enjoys exploring the intersection of open-source software and LLM infrastructure, often dedicating personal time to contributing to or experimenting with new tools. His financial life is managed pragmatically; he lives comfortably on his substantial income and equity, but remains focused on long-term investment and security rather than conspicuous consumption. He sees his career as a continuous learning process, driven by the desire to build tools that are both powerful and ethically sound, shaping the future of AI-driven automation.

Gretchen Oberbrunner

Gretchen Oberbrunner is a forty-one-year-old entrepreneur based in Islington, London, who founded her B2B lead generation agency six years ago after leaving a senior marketing role at a mid-sized consultancy. Holding a BA in Business Studies, she built her firm from a single laptop to a four-person operation generating steady revenue, though her income remains tightly coupled with her personal effort. Currently, she operates with a distinct lack of faith in the 'black box' nature of modern SaaS tools, relying instead on a highly customized, manually maintained ecosystem of spreadsheets and native LinkedIn interactions. This approach has served her well in maintaining high-quality output and avoiding the account bans that plague less scrupulous competitors, but it has also created a severe scalability ceiling. She personally verifies thousands of prospect profiles weekly, a tedious task that consumes nearly 20% of her workweek, preventing her from focusing on strategic growth or client acquisition. Despite earning a solid £78k draw plus a variable profit share, she lives frugally, reinvesting profits into infrastructure rather than lifestyle upgrades. Her recent decision to reject several automation vendors stemmed from their opaque data handling practices and lack of transparency regarding how they interact with LinkedIn's interface. She is deeply suspicious of any solution that promises 'set and forget' capabilities, fearing the loss of control over her most valuable asset: her client relationships. While she possesses the technical aptitude to understand complex APIs and MCP servers, she lacks the time to implement them herself. Her life is a careful balancing act between the desire for operational freedom and the reality of being the primary bottleneck in her own success. She views her manual processes not as a limitation, but as a necessary safeguard against the chaos of unchecked automation, even as the weight of this responsibility grows heavier each year.

Matti Vokuhl

Matti Vokuhl, a 29-year-old automation consultant based in Berlin, carved out his niche by specializing in custom LinkedIn workflows for SaaS clients. Armed with an MSc in Information Systems, he transitioned from a more traditional IT role into freelance consulting five years ago, drawn by the allure of autonomy and the challenge of solving complex operational problems. His current income of €92k gross as a solo operator reflects his expertise and the high demand for efficient client acquisition strategies. Matti’s approach is deeply rooted in technical craft; he views each client project as an intricate puzzle requiring a robust, yet flexible, solution. He's proficient in stitching together tools like PhantomBuster and Apify, but his real value lies in his ability to augment them with custom Python scripts, intricate webhook logic, and seamless CRM integrations. This hands-on, often bespoke, integration work is his bread and butter, typically for one-off projects or short-term retainers where clients need a specific, high-impact automation solution. He recently decided against adopting a new, all-in-one automation platform that promised simplicity, opting instead to continue his current methodology. This decision stemmed from a deep-seated distrust of vendor lock-in and a preference for maintaining granular control over his implementations, even if it meant more manual integration work. He values technical flexibility above all, ensuring his solutions can be adapted as client needs evolve or as platforms inevitably change. Reliability is paramount; his clients depend on his workflows to run smoothly, and he takes that responsibility seriously. While he enjoys the technical challenges, he's increasingly aware of the time sink involved in managing multiple tools and scripts, prompting him to explore ways to standardize his processes without sacrificing customization. His financial discipline is geared towards long-term security and maintaining his freelance independence, allowing him to choose projects that align with his technical interests rather than just chasing revenue.

Omana Sethi-Somayaji

Omana Sethi-Somayaji, 37, has carved a niche for herself in the competitive B2B SaaS landscape of Bengaluru. Holding an MBA, she transitioned from a senior sales role into management four years ago, driven by a desire to build and optimize high-performing sales development teams. Her current position as SDR Manager at a rapidly growing SaaS firm is a testament to her strategic thinking and operational acumen. She leads a team of six, focusing intently on LinkedIn prospecting, a channel she believes is crucial for B2B lead generation. Omana is deeply involved in the technical underpinnings of her team's success, overseeing a custom-built Python script that automates profile data extraction and initial message drafting. This allows her SDRs to spend more time on personalization and engagement, a balance she constantly strives to perfect. Her income of ₹38L reflects her seniority and the critical nature of her role in driving predictable pipeline growth. She is married and lives a structured life, balancing professional ambition with personal well-being. Recent decisions have centered on enhancing the efficiency of her team's outreach, including piloting new AI-assisted tools and refining the logic within their internal Python helper. She views time as a finite, valuable resource, both for herself and her team, and is always looking for ways to maximize its impact. Status for Omana is less about personal accolades and more about the collective success and efficiency of the team she manages.

Krijn Kuijpers

Krijn Kuijpers, a 26-year-old co-founder based in Amsterdam, embodies the spirit of lean execution in the AI startup scene. Holding a BSc in Software Engineering, he co-founded a two-person company with a shared vision for building AI-powered tools. His current focus is on developing a LinkedIn prospecting agent, a critical component of their go-to-market strategy. Krijn’s approach is characterized by extreme resourcefulness; he meticulously avoids paid software, relying instead on a carefully curated stack of free Chrome extensions, exported CSV files, and a suite of homegrown Python scripts. This methodology stems from a deep-seated value for independence and a commitment to proving product viability without significant upfront investment. He has never purchased a dedicated LinkedIn automation tool, preferring to build his own solutions through experimentation and iterative refinement. His technical confidence is high, fueled by his engineering background and a passion for LLMs and indie hacking. Krijn’s daily work involves a constant cycle of coding, data analysis, and problem-solving, often pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with free tools. He recently decided to focus the product's initial experiments on validating the core functionality of the LinkedIn agent, believing that demonstrating its effectiveness through manual-like processes will attract early adopters who appreciate the underlying technology. He views time as his most valuable asset, meticulously allocating it between development and essential user outreach, always seeking the most efficient path forward. Status for Krijn is measured by technical achievement and the successful creation of functional, impactful software, rather than financial metrics alone.

Athénaïs Mercier

Athénaïs Mercier, 34, is a dedicated growth consultant based in Paris, France, specializing in managing LinkedIn workflows for her clients. Holding a Master's in Marketing, she has spent the last six years honing her expertise in B2B lead generation and personal branding strategies. Her freelance career began organically after a successful stint at a digital marketing agency, where she realized her passion for working directly with businesses to drive tangible growth. She currently manages two client accounts simultaneously, a deliberate choice to maintain a high level of personal involvement and transparency. Her core service offering includes meticulous LinkedIn profile research, strategic content planning and creation, and sophisticated outbound sequencing designed to generate qualified leads. Athénaïs operates her consultancy as a sole proprietorship, valuing the autonomy and direct client relationships it affords. Her income of €64k gross annually reflects her niche expertise and the hands-on approach she provides. She is deeply committed to client transparency, believing that clients should understand and see every step of the process. This philosophy dictates her current tool stack: TexAu for automation, complemented by detailed spreadsheets for task coordination and reporting. She deliberately keeps her workflows somewhat hands-on, allowing clients to witness the mechanics of their growth, which fosters trust and collaboration. Recently, she's been exploring how AI can further enhance her content ideation and prospect identification, but remains cautious about fully automating client-facing communication, preferring to maintain a human touch. Her decision to limit herself to two clients stems from a desire to avoid dilution of quality and to ensure she can dedicate sufficient creative energy to each account, a testament to her conscientious nature and commitment to delivering exceptional results. She sees her work not just as a service, but as a partnership in achieving ambitious growth objectives.

Terry Kuhic

Terry Kuhic, 38, is the founder of a lean recruiting startup based in Austin, Texas. Armed with an MBA and a keen understanding of market dynamics, he launched his company three years ago with a clear vision: to inject efficiency and quality into the often-clunky process of talent acquisition. His personal stake in the company's success is immense, reflected in his $140k base salary, modest by some startup founder standards but supplemented by significant founder equity. He lives alone in a functional two-bedroom apartment, where his home office is the most meticulously organized space. His routine is dictated by the relentless demands of building a business from the ground up. Mornings are dedicated to deep work, specifically the critical task of talent sourcing on LinkedIn. Terry is deeply invested in optimizing this process, spending hours each day testing and refining agent-like browser automations. His goal is to identify high-potential candidates and draft initial outreach messages, which he then passes to his sole recruiter for personalization and follow-up. This hands-on approach stems from his core values of speed and hiring quality, believing that meticulous sourcing is the bedrock of successful placements. He’s pragmatic, always seeking the most efficient path to achieving his objectives, whether it’s refining an automation script or mapping out a new market segment for talent. His decision-making is analytical; he researches thoroughly, weighs pros and cons, and prioritizes solutions that offer tangible improvements and scalability, even if they require an initial investment of time or resources. He’s not afraid to experiment with new technologies, viewing them as essential tools for gaining a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of recruitment. His current focus is on proving the startup's model and securing a stable client base, which drives his every professional move.

Erick Ebert

Erick Ebert, 30, has carved out a niche for himself as a Revenue Operations Manager at a burgeoning 15-person SaaS company based in Manchester. His journey into RevOps wasn't a straight line; after completing his BSc in Economics, he initially worked in a more traditional data analysis role before realising his passion lay in optimising the operational backbone of sales and marketing functions. He found that his analytical mindset and knack for understanding complex systems were perfectly suited to the challenges of revenue operations. Erick is deeply invested in the efficiency and reliability of his company's tech stack, particularly the intricate web of tools that support their LinkedIn-led outbound strategy. He views data not just as numbers, but as the lifeblood of informed decision-making, and is a staunch advocate for data hygiene. His current focus is a critical project: collaborating closely with a dedicated analyst to prototype a new LinkedIn workflow designed to seamlessly feed prospect data directly into their CRM. This initiative aims to eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and provide sales with higher quality, more timely leads. Erick is driven by a desire for order and predictability in business processes, believing that robust systems are the foundation for sustainable growth. He’s not one for flashy solutions; instead, he prefers methodical improvements and proven technologies. His income of £72k base plus bonus reflects his growing expertise and the critical nature of his role in a fast-paced startup environment. He's pragmatic about money, saving diligently for future financial security and potential investments, viewing his career as a long-term build rather than a sprint. Erick’s approach to work is characterised by his conscientiousness and a quiet persistence; he’ll meticulously work through a problem until it’s resolved, often late into the evening if necessary, but always with a clear plan. He values clear communication and collaboration, understanding that RevOps success hinges on strong relationships across departments, especially with sales and marketing teams who rely on the systems he manages.

Sameer Kapoor

Sameer Kapoor, 31, is the founder and owner of a burgeoning lead generation agency based in Pune, India. Armed with a BE in Electronics from a reputable engineering college, he transitioned from a promising corporate role to entrepreneurship four years ago, driven by a vision to build a more agile and client-focused service. His agency, now a team of five, specializes in B2B lead generation, primarily serving clients in the competitive US and UK markets. This geographical focus necessitates a deep reliance on digital tools and platforms, with LinkedIn being the cornerstone of their operations. Sameer's team leverages the platform daily for meticulous prospect research, in-depth profile analysis, and the strategic preparation of outreach campaigns. He is acutely aware of the time and resource investment required for effective LinkedIn engagement, which has led him to invest in automation tools. Currently, his agency subscribes to a competitor's automation stack, which provides Dripify-style outreach functionalities and other integrated features. However, Sameer is not one to rest on his laurels; he is perpetually evaluating the market for superior solutions that offer greater efficiency, advanced AI capabilities, and seamless integration into his existing workflows. His income of ₹42L reflects the success he's achieved, but also the significant pressure to maintain revenue consistency and client satisfaction. He views tools not just as expenses, but as critical investments in scaling his business and achieving his ambitious growth targets. His background in electronics instilled a methodical, analytical approach to problem-solving, which he now applies to optimizing business processes and dissecting campaign data. He is driven by a desire for control and predictability in his business operations, constantly seeking ways to delegate effectively and empower his team while retaining oversight of key strategic initiatives. The constant evolution of sales technology means Sameer dedicates significant personal time to research, comparison, and testing, ensuring his agency remains at the forefront of lead generation best practices.

Hugo Venegas Sisneros

Hugo Venegas Sisneros, 35, is a co-founder of a nascent product studio based in Madrid, Spain, where he lives a life deeply intertwined with his professional ambitions. Holding a Licenciatura en Ingeniería, his analytical mind is now focused on the practical application of technology for business growth. His current venture, a two-person operation, is built around a core belief in the power of strategic partnerships, which Hugo actively cultivates through a highly personalized and meticulously managed LinkedIn outreach strategy. He eschews large sales teams and complex CRM systems, preferring a lightweight, self-managed approach. This involves a sophisticated blend of manual LinkedIn searches, carefully curated saved lists, and custom Python scripts he's developed to streamline the process. Every message, every connection request, is personally reviewed by Hugo before it's sent, a testament to his commitment to control over execution and quality. His income as a founder draw is €58k, a figure that reflects the early stage of the company and his pragmatic approach to financial management; most revenue is reinvested. He views time as a critical resource, constantly seeking ways to optimize his workflow without sacrificing the human touch essential for building trust. Recent decisions have focused on refining his outreach scripts, experimenting with new ways to segment potential partners based on their online activity, and documenting his entire process to ensure consistency and identify bottlenecks. He is driven by a desire for autonomy and continuous learning, viewing each challenge as an opportunity to hone his skills and build a sustainable business from the ground up. His technical experimentation extends beyond his own workflow, as he keeps a close eye on advancements in AI and automation, looking for ways to integrate them intelligently into his business development efforts.