AI Innovation Ecosystem Lead

AI Innovation Ecosystem LeadDrive the growth and sustainability of an AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Karnataka by establishing high-impact partnerships with industry leaders, investors, and corporate sponsors.This strategic role focuses on attracting sponsorships, securing investments, expanding industry collaborations, and managing equity stakes in startups. Ensure business development, investor engagement, financial oversight, and strategic partnerships align with the CoE's mission to accelerate AI innovation and foster economic growth.Key Responsibilities:Develop a comprehensive industry engagement strategy to collaborate with corporations, technology leaders, and enterprise partners.Secure sponsorships for key events, including Demo Days, AI Conferences, and the Problem Solvers' Corner.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.Investor Relations & Fundraising:Build relationships with angel investors, venture capitalists, and institutional funds to ensure strong investor confidence in CoE-backed startups.Develop strategies to attract funding for startups and CoE initiatives.Organize investor roadshows, Demo Days, and pitch events to showcase top AI startups.Oversee equity stakes in startups, tracking valuations, monitoring performance, and preparing for liquidity events.Strategic Partnership Development:Align corporate partnerships with investment opportunities to create a seamless ecosystem supporting 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.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 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.Event & Community Engagement:Drive active industry and investor participation in CoE 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 & 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 manage corporate relations.Investor Relations & Fundraising: Ability to build trust with investors and communicate startup opportunities effectively.Financial Acumen: Expertise in financial modeling, 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.