Head of Industry

All applications must be sent to: info@acsel.in Position Summary: The Head of Industry & Investor Relations will be responsible for establishing and managing high-impact partnerships with industry leaders, investors, and corporate sponsors to drive the growth and sustainability of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI. This strategic role focuses on attracting sponsorships, securing investments, expanding industry collaborations, and managing equity stakes in startups. The role requires business development, investor engagement, financial oversight, and strategic partnerships, ensuring that both industry and investment ecosystems align with the CoE’s mission of accelerating AI innovation and fostering economic growth in Karnataka. Key Responsibilities: 1. Industry & Corporate Partnerships Develop and implement a comprehensive industry engagement strategy to establish collaborations with corporations, technology leaders, and enterprise partners. Secure sponsorships for key CoE events, including Demo Days, AI Conferences, and the Problem Solvers’ Corner . Establish long-term partnerships with Google, AWS, Nvidia, and other key players to provide startups with infrastructure support (cloud credits, GPUs, etc.). Expand the Problem Solvers’ Corner , aligning startup solutions with real-world challenges from industry partners. Lead consulting engagements, positioning the CoE as a trusted AI strategy partner for corporates. 2. Investor Relations & Fundraising Build and manage relationships with angel investors, venture capitalists, and institutional funds , ensuring strong investor confidence in CoE-backed startups. Develop investor engagement strategies to attract funding for startups and CoE initiatives. Organize investor roadshows, Demo Days, and pitch events to showcase the best AI startups. Oversee equity stakes in startups, tracking valuations, monitoring performance, and preparing for liquidity events (acquisitions, IPOs). 3. Strategic Partnership Development Align corporate partnerships with investment opportunities , creating a seamless ecosystem that supports startup growth through funding and real-world applications. Work with accelerator startups to secure industry-backed pilot projects and commercialization opportunities. Collaborate with banks, venture funds, and alternative investment firms to drive co-investment and funding opportunities for startups. 4. Financial & Compliance Oversight Ensure compliance with governance frameworks for all equity transactions and investor interactions. Develop financial models and valuation metrics to maximize returns from CoE startup investments . Work with the finance and legal teams to finalize investment agreements, sponsorship contracts, and equity structures . Provide periodic reports to stakeholders on industry partnerships, startup valuations, and expected liquidity events. 5. Event & Community Engagement Drive active industry and investor participation in CoE’s flagship events, including Demo Days, AI Summits, and networking forums . Develop compelling investor reports, pitch decks, and impact case studies highlighting the CoE’s successes. Represent the CoE in public forums, investor conferences, and strategic AI discussions . Qualifications and Experience: Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field. Experience: Minimum 10+ years in a combination of industry partnerships, investor relations, venture capital, or startup fundraising. Preferred engaging with technology giants, large enterprises, and AI-driven startups. Skills & Competencies: Strategic Partnerships & Business Development: Ability to build long-term industry collaborations and managing corporate relations. Investor Relations & Fundraising: Ability to build trust with investors and communicate startup opportunities effectively. Financial Acumen: Expertise in financial modelling, startup valuation, and equity investment strategies. Revenue Generation: Ability to identify monetization opportunities through consulting services, sponsorships, and liquidity events. Event & Community Leadership: Experience in managing investor and industry-focused events to drive engagement. Negotiation & Communication: Strong negotiation and presentation skills for closing deals with sponsors and investors. Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience. Why Join Us? As the Head of Industry & Investor Relations , you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI innovation in Karnataka . You will: Drive high-impact industry collaborations that solve real-world AI challenges. Secure funding and sponsorships to ensure the sustainability of the CoE and its startups. Manage startup investments and equity stakes , positioning the CoE as a key player in AI-driven economic growth. Be at the forefront of AI innovation , working closely with leading corporations, investors, and ecosystem partners. If you’re passionate about AI, startups, and building an innovation-driven ecosystem , this role offers a unique leadership opportunity to shape the future of AI in Karnataka . Only applications sent to info@acsel.in will be considered