Partnerships & Ecosystem Lead

Pond is where the next generation of AI startups launch. We help early-stage teams access community-backed token launches, shared infrastructure, and built-in distribution so they can move from idea to real traction faster. Three decades ago, with the maturity of online payment we had an increasing amount of e-commerce vendors then we have Amazon for vendors. Today, with the advancement of AI tools like Cursor or Claude, apps are becoming e-commerce vendors. Building an app is increasingly easier. Apps are the new vendors. Pond is building a platform to accelerate end-to-end processes for apps and indie devs/indie hackers.Think of Pond as a decentralized accelerator and an app-commerce platform for early stage AI/consumer startups as a platform. We are building an Amazon, but for apps.We work with AI founders, developers, ecosystems, and infrastructure partners globally, and we're now expanding our partnership and ecosystem function in the Bay Area.About the RoleWe're looking for a Ecosystem & Partnerships Lead to build and scale Pond's relationships across (don't want Crypto background for this role):AI & consumer startups & foundersStrategic distribution partnersGo-to-market (B2B partnerships + B2C growth), sourcing leads, developing go-to-market/distribution/growth strategies, onboarding founders/indie devs/startups to bounty platform (e.g., for UGC posts, product feedback).Near term focus is on sourcing and onboarding; events/hackathons likely to follow laterKey Responsibilities Ecosystem & PartnershipsBuild and manage partnerships with AI startups, platforms, protocols, and infra providersIdentify and onboard strategic partners that bring founders, users, or distribution into PondOwn partner pipelines from first conversation collaboration execution Founder & Community EngagementBe a trusted point of contact for founders entering the Pond ecosystemRepresent Pond at demo days, founder events, hackathons, and ecosystem meetupsHelp founders navigate Pond's platform, positioning, and go-to-market opportunitiesDesign and execute ecosystem programs (co-hosted hackathons, launches, bounties, campaigns Programs & ActivationsWork with marketing and product teams to turn partnerships into visible winsHelp shape Pond's ecosystem narrative in the Bay Area and beyond Strategy & Feedback LoopBring ecosystem insights back to the product and leadership teamIdentify emerging trends in AI startups, tooling, and distributionHelp refine Pond's partnership strategy as the platform scalesRequirements 1-5 years experience for Junior and 5+ years for Senior in the partnerships, ecosystem, BD, VC world. Strong network or deep curiosity about the SF Bay Area startup ecosystem Sharp sense for identifying communities/builders/well-established startups Ability to handle end-to-end ownership (sourcing, strategy, onboarding) Good growth sense (persistence, identifying/engaging targets) Comfortable talking to founders, engineers, investors, and operators Understands (or is eager to learn) AI products, developer tools, and crypto-native models For Junior: Strong connections with indie hackers / solo founders / indie dev communities. For Senior: Strong connections with well-established startups, bigger firms, mature ecosystems.Bonus SkillsExperience at a startup, accelerator, VC, or platform companyBackground in AI, developer tools, or infraExperience running events, programs, or ecosystem initiativesHighly ambitious, hardworking, and intellectually sharp; comfortable operating with high pace and ownershipHigh ownership mindsetIdeal BackgroundPlatform startups(e.g., TikTok-like with B2B/B2C)Solo-entrepreneurs/YC startup foundersIndie hackersIndie developersBuilders/artistic startups (crypto or non-crypto)Heads of growth/go-to-marketOriginally posted on Himalayas