# Startups Program Lead

**Company:** [Vercel](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/vercel)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** Partnerships
**Salary:** $148k – $185k/yr
**Experience:** 6+ years
**Skills:** React, Next.js, Vite, Astro, Remix, JavaScript, Partnership Management, Program Management, Data Analysis, Cross-Functional Collaboration
**Posted:** 2026-04-16

> Leads Vercel's global startup program for early-stage companies, managing strategy, team, and execution to drive adoption and partnerships with VCs and accelerators. Requires 6+ years in programs/partnerships, startup ecosystem knowledge, and familiarity with modern frontend technologies like React and Next.js.

## Job Description

## 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.

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