VC Partnerships Lead, APAC
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for AI-native companies is skyrocketing, with over 50% of startups in APAC considering AI integration. As a VC Partnerships Lead at Openai, you'll be at the forefront of this revolution, leveraging your expertise in GTM and programmatic to drive growth. With the startup ecosystem in APAC expected to grow by 25% in the next two years, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI adoption. Before applying, candidates should be aware that this role requires a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, technical fluency, and exceptional relationship-building skills.
Job Description
About the Role
The VC Partnerships Lead, APAC will play a critical role in Openai's mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. As a key member of the Startups team, you will build and manage senior relationships with leading venture capital funds, accelerators, and startup ecosystem partners. Your primary objective will be to help high-potential startups adopt and scale with Openai's products, driving revenue growth and expanding Openai's reach across the regional startup ecosystem.The Startups team is a dynamic and fast-paced environment, where you will work closely with Account Directors, Solutions professionals, and internal stakeholders to identify promising companies, support their technical and commercial success, and create repeatable programs that drive growth. You will be expected to travel frequently across the Asia-Pacific region, representing Openai at startup ecosystem events and speaking engagements.
As a VC Partnerships Lead, you will be responsible for developing a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, including trends, challenges, and opportunities. You will use this knowledge to design and execute strategic partnerships, identify new business opportunities, and drive growth through programmatic engagement of early-stage companies.
What You Will Do
- Manage and develop a set of partner-level relationships with top venture capital funds, startup accelerator programs, and other partners in the startup ecosystem
- Be responsible for adoption and revenue growth for Openai's APIs and applications, especially across early-stage companies
- Work closely with Account Directors to identify and serve high-potential startups
- Collaborate cross-functionally to design and execute 1:1, 1:few, and 1:many technical engagements with startup teams
- Represent Openai at startup ecosystem events and speaking engagements
- Develop insights into trends in startup ecosystems based on quantitative metrics and qualitative observations
- Lead programmatic engagement of 'long tail' early-stage companies
- Serve as an advocate for improving the startup experience building with Openai, synthesizing product feedback from insights captured from our work with startups
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including partnerships, collaborations, and revenue-generating initiatives
- Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, including trends, challenges, and opportunities
What We Are Looking For
- Passion for the startup ecosystem and supporting the growth of fast-growing companies
- Experience owning revenue and other business outcomes
- Background as a founder of a venture-backed startup, a venture capital investor, or early employee at a fast-growing startup
- Technical understanding of AI technologies and AI product landscape
- 10+ years experience managing high-value external relationships and working directly with founders and C-level executives
- Communicating technical concepts to customers and internal stakeholders
- Leading high-visibility customer engagements, such as conferences, 1:many events, product launches, etc.
- High degree of comfort gathering, distilling, and processing complex market intelligence
- Strong public speaking ability
- Experience navigating different cultures and ecosystems, spanning everything between Japan, New Zealand, and Kazakhstan
- Professional proficiency in at least one relevant regional business language, such as Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean
Nice to Have
- Experience working with AI-native companies or startups
- Knowledge of programmatic advertising and GTM strategies
- Familiarity with Openai's products and technologies
- Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Strong network of contacts in the startup ecosystem
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a cutting-edge AI company
- Collaborative, dynamic work environment
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Access to the latest AI technologies and tools
- Opportunity to shape the future of AI adoption in the startup ecosystem
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
- Generous parental leave policy
- Annual stipend for professional development and education
- Access to a global network of AI professionals and experts
How to Stand Out
- To stand out in this role, highlight your experience working with startups, venture capital firms, and AI technologies.
- Develop a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem in APAC, including trends, challenges, and opportunities.
- Showcase your ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including founders and C-level executives.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with programmatic advertising and GTM strategies.
- Showcase your public speaking ability and experience representing companies at industry events.
- Be prepared to provide examples of your experience navigating different cultures and ecosystems.
- Highlight your proficiency in at least one relevant regional business language, such as Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean.
- To negotiate salary, research the market rate for similar roles in APAC and be prepared to discuss your expectations.
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