Each year, breakthrough technologies reshape industries and redefine markets. Companies that fail to identify these innovations and partner with the right startups at the right time risk losing billions of dollars, falling behind more agile competitors.
Deeli AI, backed by Silicon Valley's leading early-stage VC, the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, and part of its Batch 18 cohort (https://skydeck.berkeley.edu/batch18/), is transforming the way innovation-driven enterprises harness emerging technologies. Our state-of-the-art AI platform algorithmically identifies cutting-edge innovations and the innovators behind them, enabling R&D-driven companies to stay ahead of the curve and solidify their market leadership.
Founded by a second-time entrepreneur and built by a world-class team with experience at MediaTek, AWS, and Deloitte, Deeli AI is on a mission to revolutionize how businesses discover, connect with, and leverage game-changing technologies.
About the role
As Head of New Business Development, you will be at the forefront of driving Deeli AI's growth, strategy, and impact. Reporting directly to the founders, you will spearhead our efforts to build a thriving two-sided marketplace in the B2B space, scale strategic partnerships, and establish a strong presence in the global innovation hub of the Bay Area.
This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, data-driven, and strategic leader to take ownership of growth initiatives, drive meaningful results, and make a lasting impact in a high-potential startup.
Key Responsibilities
Growth Strategy & Business Development
Develop and execute a comprehensive growth strategy to expand Deeli AI's marketplace, connecting enterprises with cutting-edge technology innovators.
Utilize data analytics to continuously refine business development (BD) strategies, leveraging insights from paying customers' interactions and activities on the platform to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
Identify, negotiate, and build strategic partnerships with tech-focused accelerators, university tech transfer centers, national labs, and other innovation hubs.
Drive business development initiatives to onboard paying customers and establish Deeli AI as the go-to platform for innovation discovery.
Marketing Leadership
Craft and execute marketing strategies to drive awareness, demand, and adoption of Deeli AI's platform.
Oversee and optimize marketing channels, including the website, social media (e.g., LinkedIn), and content campaigns, to build a strong brand presence.
Team Leadership
Lead and mentor a small team of part-time and interns (undergrad and grad), fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
Set clear goals using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to drive accountability and focus.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a leader who is entrepreneurial, results-driven, and thrives in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal candidate should also be a risk-taker, ready to embrace challenges and navigate through the inherent uncertainties of an early-stage startup
Must-Have Qualifications:
Proven track record in building and scaling B2B two-sided platforms or marketplaces.
Strong business development and strategic partnership experience with a track record of success
Data-driven, with the ability to use metrics and OKRs to track and achieve growth objectives.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to empathize with customer needs.
Native English speaker
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in innovation-driven industries (e.g. AI, deep tech or enterprise solutions), especially in strategic technology planning roles in R&D-driven companies.
Familiarity with startup ecosystems and connections to a large number of VCs, especially in the Bay Area.
Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, both written and spoken
Compensation
High % Commission + milestone-based Salary : Incentivized to drive real results.
Equity: Above market average equity after transition to fixed salary structure
Future Growth: Upon successful Seed round financing, the role will transition to include a competitive salary package alongside existing equity compensation
Compensation for this role will begin as performance-based, as Deeli AI is a pre-seed stage startup operating on a lean budget and cannot afford to waste resources on theoretical contributions. The transition to a fixed salary structure will occur only after achieving predefined milestones, which may require 2 weeks up to 3 months, depending on performance. This structure demands a candidate who is willing to take risks, just as the company is doing at this stage, and ensures we bring on individuals who can prove their ability to deliver real results and make significant contributions. We need a true business builder who can drive tangible impact and demonstrate readiness to step into a CXO-level role, not someone who simply interviews well or has a good CV.
DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS JOB IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE REQUIREMENT.
Why Join Us?
Growth & Impact: Work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with direct access to founders and key decision-making.
Ownership: High upside with an above-market equity package.
Flexibility & Global Collaboration: We offer flexible working hours so you can manage your schedule while working with a diverse and talented team in Taiwan, New York and Germany in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment.