Startups Program Lead Skip to content Products AI Cloud AI Gateway One endpoint, all your models Sandbox Isolated, safe code execution Vercel Agent An agent that knows your stack AI SDK The AI Toolkit for TypeScript v0 Build applications with AI Core Platform CI/CD Helping teams ship 6× faster Content Delivery Fast, scalable, and reliable Fluid Compute Servers, in serverless form Workflow Long-running workflows at scale Observability Trace every step Security Bot Management Scalable bot protection BotID Invisible CAPTCHA Platform Security DDoS Protection, Firewall Web Application Firewall Granular, custom protection Resources Company Customers Trusted by the best teams Blog The latest posts and changes Changelog See what shipped Press Read the latest news Events Join us at an event Learn Docs Vercel documentation Academy Linear courses to level up Knowledge Base Find help quickly Community Join the conversation Open Source Next.js The native Next.js platform Nuxt The progressive web framework Svelte The web’s efficient UI framework Turborepo Speed with Enterprise scale Solutions Use Cases AI Apps Deploy at the speed of AI Composable Commerce Power storefronts that convert Marketing Sites Launch campaigns fast Multi-tenant Platforms Scale apps with one codebase Web Apps Ship features, not infrastructure Tools Marketplace Extend and automate workflows Templates Jumpstart app development Partner Finder Get help from solution partners Users Platform Engineers Automate away repetition Design Engineers Deploy for every idea Enterprise Pricing Ask AI Ask AI Log In Sign Up Sign Up Dashboard Marketing New York City, San Francisco Full Time Startups Program Lead Careers / Marketing Marketing New York City, San Francisco Full Time About Vercel: Vercel is the agentic infrastructure company. We free people and agents to ship what’s next. For more than a decade, Vercel has shaped how the web is built. As
the team behind Next.js, v0, and AI SDK, we create products that help builders move from idea to production with speed, security, and exceptional developer experience. Now, software is entering a new era, and the next generation of products will not just be used by people. They will be built, extended, and operated by agents. We are building the platform for that future, trusted by companies like OpenAI, PayPal, Ramp, Supreme, and millions of developers worldwide . Whether you’re building our products, supporting our customers, growing our community, or shaping our story, you’ll help define what comes next.
About
the Role Vercel is seeking a Startup Program Lead to build, lead, and scale our global startup program and startup program team. This individual will own the startup program end to end, leading strategy, execution, and team operations. They will be responsible for how the program operates, scales, and delivers a high-quality experience for early stage founders. They will also play a critical role in supporting our efforts to build strong partnerships with venture capital firms, accelerators, incubators, and startup enablement programs. You’ll work closely with our Startup marketing, sales, partner, and events teams to grow Vercel’s footprint across early-stage technology communities and identify strategic opportunities to support startup founders. This role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the startup and VC community, has a strong understanding of developer-first products, and a track record of building and scaling programs. What You’ll Do Own and lead Vercel’s global startup program strategy, roadmap, and execution end to end, focused on early stage startups from pre-seed through Series A. Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing startup program team. Design and scale programs that drive adoption, activation, and ongoing engagement of startups building on Vercel, like the Vercel AI Accelerator . Develop and grow relationships with venture capital firms, accelerators, incubators, and founder communities to bring high-quality startups into Vercel’s ecosystem as customers from day one. Partner closely with Sales to identify high-potential startups within the program and support their progression into long term, successful customers. Establish clear pathways from early stage adoption to deeper product usage, expansion, and retention, and track performance across the startup lifecycle. Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Vercel Media, Partnerships, and Developer Relations to integrate the startup program into campaigns, content, and ecosystem distribution. Identify opportunities to embed Vercel into the early stage ecosystem, including VC platforms, accelerator programs, and founder experiences. Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for Vercel in the startup ecosystem by hosting events, advising founders, and building long term relationships. Bring insights from early stage founders and developers back into Vercel’s marketing, product, and go to market strategies. About You 6+ years of experience in programs, partnerships, or ecosystem roles, ideally within a high-growth technology or developer-focused company. Experience building and scaling programs from 0 to 1, with clear impact on marketing, growth, or revenue. Proven experience managing or leading teams. Strong track record of building strategic relationships with VCs, accelerators, and early stage companies. Deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and the needs of founders and developer teams. Ability to engage credibly with technical audiences across Engineering, Product, and Design, with familiarity in modern frontend technologies such as React, Next.js, Vite, Astro, and Remix. Strong cross-functional operator who can partner effectively with Marketing, Media, Sales, Product, and Engineering. Data-driven mindset with experience defining success metrics and optimizing programs based on performance. Excellent communication, storytelling, and relationship-building skills.
Bonus if you: Contribute to open-source projects related to modern frontend technologies (eg. React, Next, Vite, Astro, Remix, etc.) Have existing relationships with top-tier VCs, accelerators (e.g., Y Combinator, Techstars), or founder communities. Have built applications at scale with modern frontend technologies.
Benefits: Competitive
compensation package, including equity. Inclusive Healthcare Package. Learn and Grow - we provide mentorship and send you to events that help you build your network and skills. Flexible Time Off. We will provide you the gear you need to do your role, and a WFH budget for you to outfit your space as needed. The San Francisco, CA base pay range for this role is $148,000 - $185,000. Actual salary will be based on job-related skills, experience, and location.
Compensation outside of San Francisco may be adjusted based on employee location. The total
compensation package may include
benefits, equity-based
compensation, and eligibility for a company
bonus or variable pay program depending on
the role. Your recruiter can share more details during the hiring process. Vercel is committed to fostering and empowering an inclusive community within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Vercel encourages everyone to apply for our available positions, even if they don't necessarily check every box on the job description. Apply for Role Apply Now. Tell us why you’d be a good fit for the Startups Program Lead role. 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Are you currently based in any of these countries? Please note these are the only countries where we are accepting applications United States Germany United Kingdom Argentina Australia Canada India Japan Other Will you require Visa Sponsorship now, or in the future? Yes No Your authorization to work in the country where you live. Please choose the option that describes your work authorization. I am authorized to work in the country due to my nationality I am authorized to work in the country based on a valid work permit and do not need a company to sponsor my visa I am authorized to work in the country based on a valid work permit which needs to be sponsored by the company I work for I am not authorized to work in the country and need visa support Other Do you live in one of the following states? Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, or Wyoming. 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data-version="v1" style="width:100%;--geist-icon-size:16px"> https:// Submit Application Get Started Templates Supported frameworks Marketplace Domains Build Next.js on Vercel Turborepo v0 Scale Content delivery network Fluid compute CI/CD Observability AI Gateway New Vercel Agent New Secure Platform security Web Application Firewall Bot management BotID Sandbox New Resources Pricing Customers Enterprise Articles Startups Solution partners Learn Docs Blog Changelog Knowledge Base Academy Community Frameworks Next.js Nuxt Svelte Nitro Turbo SDKs AI SDK Workflow SDK New Flags SDK Chat SDK Streamdown AI New Use Cases Composable commerce Multi-tenant platforms Web apps Marketing sites Platform engineers Design engineers Company About Careers Help Press Legal Privacy Policy Security Community Open source program Events Shipped on Vercel GitHub LinkedIn X YouTube Products AI Gateway One endpoint, all your models Sandbox Isolated, safe code execution Vercel Agent An agent that knows your stack AI SDK The AI Toolkit for TypeScript v0 Build applications with AI CI/CD Helping teams ship 6× faster Content Delivery Fast, scalable, and reliable Fluid Compute Servers, in serverless form Workflow Long-running workflows at scale Observability Trace every step Bot Management Scalable bot protection BotID Invisible CAPTCHA Platform Security DDoS Protection, Firewall Web Application Firewall Granular, custom protection Resources Customers Trusted by the best teams Blog The latest posts and changes Changelog See what shipped Press Read the latest news Events Join us at an event Docs Vercel documentation Academy Linear courses to level up Knowledge Base Find help quickly Community Join the conversation Next.js The native Next.js platform Nuxt The progressive web framework Svelte The web’s efficient UI framework Turborepo Speed with Enterprise scale Solutions AI Apps Deploy at the speed of AI Composable Commerce Power storefronts that convert Marketing Sites Launch campaigns fast Multi-tenant Platforms Scale apps with one codebase Web Apps Ship features, not infrastructure Marketplace Extend and automate workflows Templates Jumpstart app development Partner Finder Get help from solution partners Platform Engineers Automate away repetition Design Engineers Deploy for every idea *]:leading-[var(--geist-form-line-height)] !border-none rounded-none !bg-transparent hover:!bg-gray-100"> Loading status… Select a display theme: system light dark
Location
San Francisco, CA
Total raised
$863.0M
Last stage
Series F
Investors
No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.
A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.
I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.
If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.