General Manager, 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.

 

Search is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. AI is redefining how users discover information, how platforms monetize attention, and how digital businesses are built and operated. We are seeking a General Manager to lead Startpage’s AI transformation — rearchitecting product, growth, monetization, and operations to build the leading AI-native, privacy-first search platform globally.

 

 

The General Manager is the full P&L owner of Startpage.  You will own and drive the operating plan and financial performance of a profitable business while aggressively evolving its strategy to compete in the AI-driven future of search.

 

This role requires balancing bold transformation with financial discipline — driving innovation while protecting profitability, brand trust, and capital efficiency.

 

The GM must view AI not as a feature layer, but as core infrastructure shaping product, growth systems, monetization, and operating workflows.  You will operate with an owner mentality — running Startpage as a standalone business with founder-level accountability, supported by the scale and resources of System1.

 

 

·   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