Business Development Associate

About Abaka AI Abaka AI is built on one mission: to be the world’s most trusted data partner for AI companies. More than 1,000 industry leaders across Generative AI, Embodied AI, and Automotive AI rely on us to power their data pipelines. With our headquarters in Silicon Valley—and teams in Paris, Singapore, and Tokyo—we support global partners with fast, reliable, and scalable data solutions. Our offerings include a diverse catalog of off-the-shelf datasets (image, video, multimodal, reasoning, 3D, and beyond) as well as comprehensive data collection and annotation services. Whether teams need raw data, curated datasets, or full-cycle data engineering, Abaka AI provides the foundation for building high-performance AI systems. About the Role We’re hiring a Business Development Associate to join our growing team and help expand Abaka AI’s customer pipeline. This is an early-career role designed for someone who wants to build a strong foundation in B2B sales and develop into a full-cycle business development professional. During your first 3–6 months, your primary focus will be lead generation and outbound prospecting. You will identify potential customers, research target accounts, and engage prospects through channels such as LinkedIn and email. Along the way, you’ll develop a strong understanding of Abaka AI’s solutions, customers, and sales process. As you ramp up, your scope will expand into the broader sales cycle. You’ll have opportunities to participate in customer conversations, coordinate samples and demos, prepare proposals and contracts, support negotiations, and eventually own opportunities from initial outreach through close. If you’re a fast learner who is excited about AI, enjoys connecting with customers, and wants to accelerate your career in business development, this role offers an opportunity to learn quickly and take on increasing ownership in a fast-moving AI company. Responsibilities Research and identify prospective customers across AI, technology, and other relevant industries to build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified leads. Conduct outbound prospecting through LinkedIn, email, and other channels, developing personalized outreach to generate new customer conversations. Build an understanding of prospective customers’ businesses, technical needs, and potential use cases for Abaka AI’s data products and services. Maintain organized prospect and opportunity tracking, ensuring consistent follow-up and progression throughout the sales pipeline. Support customer discovery calls and meetings, gradually taking greater ownership of customer conversations as you develop in the role. Coordinate with internal teams to prepare and deliver relevant data samples, demos, proposals, and other materials for prospective customers. Assist with drafting and reviewing proposals, contracts, and commercial agreements as opportunities progress. Participate in pricing and contract negotiations while developing a strong understanding of commercial strategy and deal structure. Grow toward independently managing the full business development cycle, from prospecting and qualification through negotiation and close. Qualifications 0–2 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related customer-facing role. New graduates with relevant internship, sales, or business experience are encouraged to apply. Previous experience as an SDR, BDR, or in another outbound sales role is preferred. Experience with B2B SaaS, technology, AI, or other technical products is a plus. Basic understanding of the B2B sales cycle, including prospecting, qualification, discovery, proposals, negotiation, and closing. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with prospective customers. Comfortable with outbound prospecting and engaging new contacts through LinkedIn, email, and other channels. Tech-savvy and able to quickly learn new products, industries, sales tools, and technical concepts. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple prospects, conversations, and follow-ups simultaneously. Fast learner who is curious, proactive, and motivated to develop into a full-cycle business development professional. Self-driven and adaptable, comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup environment, and able to demonstrate strong ownership and urgency in execution. Compensation & Benefits The base salary range for this position is $60,000 - $80,000 USD annually, with $40,000 in target variable compensation, for total On-Target Earnings (OTE) of $100,000–$120,000 USD annually. Variable compensation is tied to business development performance, based on closed-won business sourced by the employee, alongside qualified opportunity and meeting generation. Employees may have the opportunity to earn above target based on performance. Compensation may vary depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Base pay and variable compensation are part of the Total Package provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work at Abaka AI. This role is also eligible for equity, as well as a comprehensive benefits package. eligible for equity health dental vision PTO flexible work schedule #J-18808-Ljbffr