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 physical presence in the SF startup community.
- Strong communicator. Executive presence for exec reviews, founder-first empathy for partner and founder conversations, and crisp written communication for program comms and quarterly business reviews.
- Nice to have: Operational experience at an early-stage venture firm or venture-backed startup.
- Nice to have: Background in AI infrastructure, or developer tools.
Pay Range Transparency
Databricks is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The pay range(s) for this role is listed below and represents the expected salary range for non-commissionable roles or on-target earnings for commissionable roles. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications and training, and specific work location. Based on the factors above, Databricks anticipates utilizing the full width of the range. The total compensation package for this position may also include eligibility for annual performance bonus, equity, and the benefits listed above. For more information regarding which range your location is in visit our page here.
Zone 1 Pay Range
$118,900—$163,450 USD
About Databricks
Databricks is the data and AI company. More than 10,000 organizations worldwide — including Comcast, Condé Nast, Grammarly, and over 50% of the Fortune 500 — rely on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to unify and democratize data, analytics and AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe and was founded by the original creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark™, Delta Lake and MLflow. To learn more, follow Databricks on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
**Benefits
**At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region click here.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At Databricks, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can excel. We take great care to ensure that our hiring practices are inclusive and meet equal employment opportunity standards. Individuals looking for employment at Databricks are considered without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.
Compliance
If access to export-controlled technology or source code is required for performance of job duties, it is within Employer's discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.