Startups Program Lead

What You’ll Do

• Own and lead Vercel’s global startup program strategy, roadmap, and execution end to end, focused on early stage startups from pre-seed through Series A.
• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing startup program team.
• Design and scale programs that drive adoption, activation, and ongoing engagement of startups building on Vercel, like the Vercel AI Accelerator.
• Develop and grow relationships with venture capital firms, accelerators, incubators, and founder communities to bring high-quality startups into Vercel’s ecosystem as customers from day one.
• Partner closely with Sales to identify high-potential startups within the program and support their progression into long term, successful customers.
• Establish clear pathways from early stage adoption to deeper product usage, expansion, and retention, and track performance across the startup lifecycle.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Vercel Media, Partnerships, and Developer Relations to integrate the startup program into campaigns, content, and ecosystem distribution.
• Identify opportunities to embed Vercel into the early stage ecosystem, including VC platforms, accelerator programs, and founder experiences.
• Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for Vercel in the startup ecosystem by hosting events, advising founders, and building long term relationships.
• Bring insights from early stage founders and developers back into Vercel’s marketing, product, and go to market strategies.

About You

• 6+ years of experience in programs, partnerships, or ecosystem roles, ideally within a high-growth technology or developer-focused company.
• Experience building and scaling programs from 0 to 1, with clear impact on marketing, growth, or revenue.
• Proven experience managing or leading teams.
• Strong track record of building strategic relationships with VCs, accelerators, and early stage companies.
• Deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and the needs of founders and developer teams.
• Ability to engage credibly with technical audiences across Engineering, Product, and Design, with familiarity in modern frontend technologies such as React, Next.js, Vite, Astro, and Remix.
• Strong cross-functional operator who can partner effectively with Marketing, Media, Sales, Product, and Engineering.
• Data-driven mindset with experience defining success metrics and optimizing programs based on performance.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and relationship-building skills.

Bonus if you:

• Contribute to open-source projects related to modern frontend technologies (eg. React, Next, Vite, Astro, Remix, etc.)
• Have existing relationships with top-tier VCs, accelerators (e.g., Y Combinator, Techstars), or founder communities.
• Have built applications at scale with modern frontend technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including equity.
• Inclusive Healthcare Package.
• Learn and Grow - we provide mentorship and send you to events that help you build your network and skills.
• Flexible Time Off.
• We will provide you the gear you need to do your role, and a WFH budget for you to outfit your space as needed.

The San Francisco, CA base pay range for this role is $148,000 - $185,000. Actual salary will be based on job-related skills, experience, and location.