Business Development Specialist

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Microsoft for Startups adopts a comprehensive approach to fostering success, partnering with venture capitalists and accelerators to identify and support the most promising startups. By working closely with startup leaders, we empower them to leverage Microsoft’s extensive resources and global Business-to-Business (B2B) market reach.

As a Business Development Specialist, Venture Capital and Startups at Microsoft for Startups, you will create, develop, and manage our VC relationships on the West Coast of the U.S. This opportunity will allow you to collaborate with top startups backed by leading venture capitalists, gather insights, spot the latest trends, and help build a sustainable growth strategy for Microsoft for Startups.

In addition to these responsibilities, the individual in this role will partner internally with Microsoft’s product, engineering, and advocacy teams to amplify the voice of startups. This collaboration will influence the creation of content and shape product roadmaps, ensuring that the Microsoft ecosystem evolves to meet the dynamic and fast-paced needs of startups navigating their growth trajectories.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Sciences, or related field AND 5+ years relevant work experience (e.g., investment banking, consulting, finance, marketing, corporate strategy, sales, venture capital, legal, business development, product management, project management, software development, or related field)
  • OR equivalent experience
• 2+ years of proven track record of working with startups or fast-paced product teams.
• 2+ years of stakeholder management experience.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years proficiency in the technology industry OR in a technical role (e.g., IT, Engineering).
• 4+ years experience working in a customer-facing role (e.g., internal and/or external).
• 1+ year(s) of mentoring or advising startup teams on technical strategy.
• 1+ year(s) of experience with Generative AI, NLP, or computer vision.

Business Development IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $106,400 - $203,600 per year.

There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $137,600 - $222,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

• Microsoft will accept applications for the role until September 5, 2025.

#azurecorejobs

• You will work closely with internal and external partners to bring the best of Microsoft to venture capitalists and startups.
• You will leverage development opportunities (e.g., mentorships, role-based resources, trainings, internal events such as Build) to learn new technologies and startup ecosystem trends and share learnings internally and externally.
• You will execute go-to-market motions and provide feedback based on engagement with startups and VCs.
• You will use internal and external analytical tools in your decision-making, including building and using reporting to better service the customer.
• You will be the voice of the founder providing actionable feedback to internal Microsoft product teams.
• You will become a subject matter expert on Microsoft’s offerings to startups and VCs.
• You will develop plans for managing deals, including communications and reporting with Microsoft stakeholders, while resolving blocking issues. You’ll also ensure design, communication, and alignment while developing post-deal governance and execution plans across a portfolio of deals within a specific domain.