Our Mission
We uplift people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship.
Who We Are
We have backed more than 2,400 companies or 5,000+ entrepreneurs in 75+ countries. Notable investments in the 500 portfolio include Credit Karma, Twilio, Canva, Grab, Bukalapak, The RealReal, Talkdesk, Knotel, Udemy, and Ipsy. Most significantly, those companies have helped create thousands of jobs and delighted millions of customers all over the world. Because of our global network and expertise, we are in a unique position to build startups ecosystems worldwide.
500 Startups - a leading global venture capital firm and startup accelerator - is seeking an entrepreneurial, adaptable professional to lead the commercial scaling of its Global Innovation business throughout the Americas.
About the Lead, Innovation Strategy Role
The Innovation Strategy team contributes to 500 Startups' mission of developing innovation ecosystems around the world. We partner with corporates, investors, governments, and foundations to train and connect investors, startups, and corporate executives to our global tech-focused community and experts. Some of our hallmark programs include startup accelerators, startup bootcamps, investor education, bootcamp for accelerator managers, and corporate-startup engagement. 500 Startups also works to encourage best practices surrounding innovation to create positive and thriving global innovation ecosystems.
What You Will Do
This role will be key to understanding new market opportunities, developing new client relationships, and designing new products and solutions, to help 500 Startups scale our work across the world.
You will build on the 500 Startups platform to help create new services and technology products that will be successful in the market. You will do this by developing partnerships that will enable 500 Startups to bring the best practices and knowledge of Silicon Valley to other domestic and international markets in the form of accelerators, bootcamps or other venture education programs.
Key Responsibilities
Who you are
You are a former management consultant that is passionate about having a real tangible impact accelerating tech-enabled startup ecosystems around the world. You have deep experience and expertise in working in and with the Saudi Arabian Market. You understand technology, innovation and venture capital, and how they can be harnessed to attract talent, generate wealth and transform economies. You are able to understand complex issues that involve multiple stakeholders, find ways to align interests and incentives, and devise programs that advance everyones’ goals. You are able to articulate a high level vision but also draw out a plan to make it happen. You can develop relationships with high level stakeholders and drive them to close business opportunities. But most of all, you are humble, a team player, like to have fun and get sh*t done.
This position will ideally be based in Riyadh, or for someone who can easily travel and have access to Riyadh and Jeddah.
Requirements
Must have