GM, AI Ecosystem
The Solana Foundation is a non-profit based in Zug, Switzerland, dedicated to the adoption, decentralization, and security of the Solana network. Solana is a high-performance blockchain designed for a fast and user-friendly experience while maintaining security. Our mission is to enable a world where individuals own their data, use permissionless networks, and transfer information and value freely worldwide.
About the role
We are seeking a senior leader to oversee our growth in the Bay Area, a hub for AI, venture capital, and emerging technologies. The GM, AI Ecosystem, will be responsible for setting regional strategy, managing a dedicated budget, and establishing key partnerships to drive Solana's presence and success in the region.
Responsibilities
Set regional strategy and outcomes, owning Solana Foundation's entire strategy and presence in the Bay Area.
Build deep relationships across the AI/ML startup, research, and infrastructure communities, and make the case for building cutting-edge AI products and use cases on Solana.
Convert that conviction into real projects by identifying, cultivating, and activating the region's strongest builders.
Identify and build trusted relationships with Bay Area's top VCs, accelerators, and incubators to drive high-quality deal flow and co-investment into the Solana ecosystem.
Forge partnerships across AI, fintech, and consumer tech that create compounding leverage for Solana's reach and narrative.
Represent the Foundation in high-stakes conversations with investors, founders, and press, and provide market intelligence to inform Solana's broader strategy.
Requirements
A senior operator with a decade or more of experience across venture capital, ecosystem leadership, company founding or scaling, product or growth at a top-tier technology organization.
Deeply networked in the Bay Area with real, earned relationships among founders, investors, and operators.
Fluent in both worlds: understanding of crypto and Solana, and ability to have substantive conversations with AI founders and researchers about their work and its importance.
Judgment of a capital allocator: the ability to distinguish signal from noise, focus on key relationships and bets, and deploy resources effectively.
An exceptional communicator and closer: someone who earns trust quickly and is remembered for their contributions.
Comfortable with full ownership and ambiguity: creating one's own surface area, setting one's own agenda, and not waiting for direction.
Qualifications
Based full-time in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Signals You'll Stand Out:
A demonstrated track record at the intersection of AI and crypto.
Credible relationships in the AI/ML startup and research community.
Prior experience deploying capital, such as grants, investments, or an ecosystem fund.
Founder or early-operator experience, understanding what builders need.