Strategic Partnerships Lead, AI Infrastructure Growth

Team8 Stealth Mode Startup-Business Development Lead,Strategic Partnership Team8 Stealth Mode Startup-Business Development Lead,Strategic Partnership Description We are looking for a high-energy, relationship-driven Business Development Lead to help shape our commercial footprint and support the growth of a category-defining company in the AI infrastructure space. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with the founders, GTM leaders, and product teams as we build strategic relationships across the AI ecosystem – including enterprise buyers, design partners, platform teams, and other market-shaping stakeholders. You will help create and expand a high-value network in the heart of the Silicon Valley ecosystem, turning market access into real business momentum. This role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area / Silicon Valley and is designed for someone who is deeply connected to the local AI infrastructure community. Responsibilities Drive GTM success by identifying and engaging prospective customers, design partners, and strategic stakeholders that can accelerate the company’s commercial traction. Build and deepen relationships with senior decision-makers across AI infrastructure, platform, engineering, and innovation organizations in the U.S. market. Develop and manage a strategic ecosystem of enterprise contacts, partners, advisors, and early adopters who can support product-market fit and long-term growth. Represent the company externally at major industry events, executive roundtables, private gatherings, and high-value 1:1 meetings across the Valley and broader U.S. market. Work closely with founders and internal stakeholders to turn market feedback into actionable business, product, and GTM insights. Support strategic growth initiatives by facilitating targeted introductions, gathering structured market input, and helping shape early commercial opportunities. Own pipeline visibility and execution discipline by leveraging modern CRM and sales intelligence tools to manage outreach, engagement, and follow-up. Act as a key external voice for the company within the AI infrastructure ecosystem, building trusted relationships that can translate into revenue, partnerships, and strategic advantage. Requirements: 3-5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, strategic sales, or go-to-market roles , ideally in AI infrastructure, developer tools, cloud, data infrastructure, MLOps, or adjacent technical domains . Direct experience working with enterprise technology buyers and highly technical stakeholders. Strong familiarity with the AI infrastructure startup and venture landscape , with a clear understanding of how category leaders are built and scaled. Exceptional relationship-building skills, executive presence, and the ability to create trust quickly with senior external stakeholders. Strategic mindset with the ability to turn market insights into actions and identify high-leverage business opportunities. Fluent English speaker and writer with polished communication skills. Experience using modern CRM and sales enablement tools. Team player with high energy, entrepreneurial mindset, and a strong bias toward execution. Advantages Prior experience in a successful AI infrastructure, cloud, data, or developer-first startup . Strong personal network across founders, GTM leaders, platform teams, and enterprise innovation leaders in the Bay Area. Experience supporting early-stage or venture-backed companies through founder-led sales and early market development. Track record of curating high-value customer, ecosystem, or community-facing engagements. We offer a base salary range of $150,000–$200,000 (USD) , depending on experience, seniority, and location within the US, along with a meaningful equity package and a comprehensive benefits plan. #J-18808-Ljbffr