# AI Accelerator Lead

**Company:** [Vercel](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/vercel)
**Location:** Remote
**Role:** Other
**Salary:** $114k – $172k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** startups, accelerators, Community Building, Partnerships, founder relations, venture, ai startups, Developer Tools, Content Creation, cross-functional program management
**Posted:** 2026-07-21

> Own and execute the full lifecycle of Vercel's AI Accelerator program for pre-seed and idea-stage AI founders. Design cohorts, manage applications through Demo Day, build founder relationships and community, and partner cross-functionally to deliver exceptional programming and content while feeding insights back into Vercel.

## Job Description

## What You Will Do
- Own the Vercel AI Accelerator strategy, roadmap, operating model, and execution end to end, with the goal of running multiple high-quality cohorts per year.
- Design and run a repeatable program for pre-seed and idea-stage AI founders, helping them move from early idea to working product, clearer company narrative, and stronger technical foundation on Vercel.
- Own the full cohort lifecycle, including applications, selection, founder onboarding, programming, community engagement, partner credits, Demo Day, post-program follow-up and content.
- Build scalable systems for application review, founder communications, partner activation, content production, and cohort operations.
- Partner with Startups, Community, Content, Product Marketing, Vercel Media, Developer Relations, Product, and Engineering to create a world-class founder experience and surface strong founder stories.
- Build trusted relationships with founders, VCs, accelerators, operators, and AI ecosystem partners, and bring founder insights back into Vercel’s product, marketing, community, and startup strategies.

## About You
- 5+ years of experience in startup programs, accelerators, ecosystem, community, partnerships, founder relations, venture, or strategic programs, ideally in a high-growth technology or developer-focused company.
- Experience owning complex programs end to end, from strategy through execution, measurement, and iteration.
- Deep understanding of early-stage founders, especially pre-seed, idea-stage, or technical founders building from 0 to 1.
- Strong interest in AI-native startups, developer tools, infrastructure, and the changing ways founders are building products with AI.
- Proven ability to build high-quality founder or community experiences that combine programming, relationships, content, and operational excellence.
- Strong cross-functional operator who can work effectively across Startups, Community, Content, Media, Product Marketing, Developer Relations, Product, Engineering, Partnerships, Events, Legal, and Sales.
- Strong editorial and storytelling instincts, with the ability to identify compelling founder stories and turn them into useful internal or external content.
- Clear, concise communicator who is comfortable engaging technical founders, managing ambiguity, and building repeatable systems for scale.

## Bonus If You
- Have built or run an accelerator, fellowship, founder community, demo day, or venture-backed startup program.
- Have worked directly with pre-seed or idea-stage founders, AI startups, OSS developers, or technical founder communities.
- Have experience creating content programs, founder spotlights, cohort announcements, or media moments around startup communities.
- Have worked with developer-first products or are familiar with modern web and AI tooling such as Vercel, Next.js, v0, AI SDK, AI Gateway, Cursor, Claude Code, or similar tools.
- Have hosted or produced founder-facing events, workshops, demo days, or community gatherings.
- Have been a founder, early startup employee, investor, operator, or community builder yourself.

## 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 $114,000 - $172,000. Actual salary will be based on job-related skills, experience, and location. Compensation outside of San Francisco may be adjusted based on employee location. The total compensation package may include benefits, equity-based compensation, and eligibility for a company bonus or variable pay program depending on the role.

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