VP of Business Development (BD)

SBT is the exclusive executive recruiting firm for this confidential position.Company Overview: This confidential, well-funded startup company is developing next-generation solutions aimed at solving bandwidth and connectivity challenges in advanced computing systems. Their core technology enables high-speed, scalable data movement to support emerging infrastructure demands that power AI workloads.Job Responsibilities:Emerging Market Analysis: Assess and prioritize high-impact emerging markets—such as AI system interconnects, memory fabrics, and optical link solutions—translating technical trends into actionable business opportunities.Strategic Partnerships: Build and nurture partnerships with technology providers, hyperscalers, semiconductor vendors, system integrators, and research consortia to accelerate ecosystem adoption.Market Expansion & Ecosystem Development: Identify, define, and develop new market sectors and ecosystem opportunities across interconnect (PCIe, CXL) and photonics/optical technologies.Strategic Growth Initiatives: Lead initiatives to position the company for new business opportunities, including co-development, licensing, and joint ventures that expand the company’s market footprint.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the CEO, CTO, and product teams to align technology capabilities with long-term market needs and define the company’s external partnership roadmap.Qualifications:Industry Experience: 15+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or ecosystem leadership roles within the semiconductor, networking, or optical communications industries.Technical Background: Strong understanding of both interconnect technologies (PCIe, CXL, Ethernet, InfiniBand, etc.) and photonics/optical communication systems (e.g., optical transceivers, silicon photonics, coherent links).Executive Presence: Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills; capable of influencing technical and business leaders at the VP/CXO level.