Why This Job is Featured on The SaaS Jobs
This Startup Partnership Manager position sits at a key intersection of SaaS go to market and the broader startup ecosystem. Rather than focusing on a single channel, the remit spans venture firms, accelerators, and tech partner networks, which are common distribution and credibility engines for SaaS companies selling into early stage teams. The emphasis on regional strategy and program design signals a role built around shaping how a SaaS brand shows up in founder communities, not just responding to inbound interest.
From a SaaS career perspective, the role develops durable skills in ecosystem led growth, including segmentation, partner motion design, and translating community access into measurable pipeline. Ownership of an annual regional plan also builds operating cadence experience that transfers well across SaaS partnerships, business development, and broader GTM leadership paths. Close collaboration with marketing and internal stakeholders adds practical exposure to cross functional execution typical in SaaS organisations.
This role is best suited to professionals who prefer relationship heavy work paired with structured planning and hands on delivery. It will fit someone comfortable representing a product externally, running programs end to end, and using feedback from founders and investors to influence internal priorities. It also aligns with candidates who value autonomy while staying coordinated with GTM teams.
The section above is editorial commentary from The SaaS Jobs, provided to help SaaS professionals understand the role in a broader industry context.
Job Description
What's the opportunity?
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Startup Partnerships Manager to accelerate revenue growth within the startup segment. This role is dedicated to cultivating high value relationships across venture capital firms, accelerator programs and key tech partner networks to embed our brand as the preferred customer agent and experience solution for startups. You will own the annual go to market strategy for the region, design high value programs that deliver differentiated support to founders, and collaborate closely with our marketing teams to generate awareness, win startup customers and expand our presence across the ecosystem.
What will I be doing?
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Develop and execute an annual region strategy aligned with our global startup plan and marketing priorities.
- Identify direct paths to penetrate high value startup communities in partnership with VCs, accelerators and other ecosystem partners.
- Maintain and refresh a list of top startups in the region to support targeted marketing and engagements.
Ecosystem Building & Advocacy
- Embed our brand and offering within tier one venture capital firms, accelerator programs and key tech partner networks to position our company as the preferred service partner.
- Launch and manage a startup advocacy/ambassadors program that drives organic growth and fosters a self sustaining community of advocates.
- Represent the company at community events, industry conferences and partner forums to elevate brand awareness, cultivate strategic relationships and foster mutual growth.
Events & Experience Delivery
- Plan and manage in-person and virtual events targeting startup audiences across major startup hubs.
- Design and execute experiential programs that provide high potential founders with value added support from within our network.
- Translate ecosystem access into trial and customers.
Partnership Development
- Cultivate trusted relationships across influential investor and founder communities, positioning the company as a strategic partner.
- Travel across the region to meet with partners, customers, funds and affiliated tech companies to deepen relationships and uncover new opportunities.
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with across the GTM teams to amplify startup customer experiences
- Represent the voice of the startup community internally to influence product and programs
- Collaborate on content creation that resonates with the startup audience
- Ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach to community initiatives
What skills do I need?
- 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships or sales within the technology sector, with a focus on technology startups or venture capital.
- Deep familiarity with startup ecosystems (VCs, accelerators, incubators) and experience activating those networks.
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate high value relationships with founders, investors and strategic partners.
- Strong track record of generating qualified marketing pipeline and contributing to revenue growth.
- Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast paced sales environment.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
- AI first mindset
Nice to have
- Experience as a founder or working with accelerators, incubators or venture capital firms, with deep familiarity with the London or European startup ecosystem.
- Proven success in collaborating and building relationships with early stage VCs, corporate venture capital funds, angel networks, accelerators and incubators.
- Hands on experience cultivating and nurturing self sustaining startup communities and fostering engagement between startups and key partners.
Benefits
We are a well-treated bunch, with awesome benefits! If there’s something important to you that’s not on this list, talk to us!
- Competitive salary and equity in a fast-growing start-up
- We serve lunch every weekday, plus a variety of snack foods and a fully stocked kitchen
- Regular compensation reviews - we reward great work!
- Pension scheme & match up to 4%
- Peace of mind with life assurance, as well as comprehensive health and dental insurance for you and your dependents
- Flexible paid time off policy
- Paid maternity leave, as well as 6 weeks paternity leave for fathers, to let you spend valuable time with your loved ones
- If you’re cycling, we’ve got you covered on the Cycle-to-Work Scheme. With secure bike storage too
- MacBooks are our standard, but we also offer Windows for certain roles when needed.
#LI-Hybrid
