RDQ427R469
Why this role
Databricks is unifying the Neon & Databricks Startup Programs into a single, ecosystem-led motion that meets high-growth startups on Day 0 and grows with them through their natural journey from their first Postgres write to model serving, BI, and analytics at scale.
We are hiring a Startup Program Lead to own the success and operation of this program end-to-end: strategy, VC and accelerator relationships, day-to-day operations, program metrics, and the ecosystem presence that keeps Databricks at the center of where the next generation of startups is building. This is a strategic product partnership motion, not an enterprise sales or business development role.
The impact you'll have
- Own and operate the Databricks Startup Program. Set strategy and hit targets for accepted startups, graduated ARR, partner count, and accelerator batch adoption.
- Represent Databricks in the startup ecosystem. Be a visible face of Databricks for founders in San Francisco. Organize talks, moderate panels, and build the founder-to-founder and founder-to-investor trust that compounds over years.
- Build and execute a VC ecosystem strategy. Source partner segments (top-tier funds, seed funds, operator angels, accelerators) and develop engagement plans by stage, sector, and geo to drive intros, events, and program enrollments.
- Drive ecosystem engagement. Design and run repeatable activation motions such as partner office hours, founder workshops, co-branded content, scouts programs, partner-in-residence pilots — and codify what works into playbooks that others can run.
- Run monthly operating reviews with the Neon and Databricks product and developer relations leadership.
- Report on impact. Track and publish ARR, partner count, acceptances, YC batch adoption, credit consumption, retention, etc. Run experiments, measure, scale what works, and kill what does not.
Candidate Requirements
- 7+ years in the startup ecosystem working directly with VCs, accelerators, or founder communities.
- Strong network and credibility across VC funds, operator communities, and founder networksPLG instincts. You are comfortable running a high-trust, low-touch, product-led motion for thousands of startups. You understand the difference between a concierge and a gatekeeper, and why that difference matters for the long-term funnel.
- Operational rigor. Proficient with CRMs, partnership trackers, application pipelines, budgets, and reporting dashboards. You build simple, minimal processes that scale.
- San Francisco-based. You operate on the ground, attend events, and build in-person trust. This role requires a phys