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Business Development Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sierra

Business Development

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$210K - $290K/yr

What you'll do As a Business Development Lead, you'll play a critical role in building and ... Prior experience at a high-growth AI or enterprise SaaS startup * Deep expertise in a few of our ...

Flip

Business Development Rep - Retail

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Business Development Representative - Retail REPORTING TO : Business Development Manager LOCATION ... Startup Navigator: You are relentlessly agile, navigating the high-speed, ever-changing landscape ...

Mat3ra

Business Development Lead

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

... startup experience, including business development * strong knowledge of sales automation tools * experience driving product vision, go-to-market strategy, and design discussions. Preferred ...

Mat3ra

Business Development Lead

Walnut Creek, CA · Remote

$120K - $180K/yr

... startup experience, including business development * strong knowledge of sales automation tools * experience driving product vision, go-to-market strategy, and design discussions. Preferred ...

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All JobsBusiness Development Startup JobsBusiness Development Startup Jobs in California

Business Development Startup information

See California salary details

$36K

$84.5K

$147K

How much do business development startup jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development startup in California is $84,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kinds of challenges might I face working in Business Development at a startup, and how can I prepare for them?

Business Development roles in startups often involve navigating uncertainty, adapting to rapidly changing markets, and prioritizing multiple growth initiatives with limited resources. You may encounter challenges such as establishing brand presence, building new partnerships from scratch, and frequently shifting strategies to respond to feedback or market conditions. To prepare, it's helpful to embrace flexibility, seek continuous learning, and proactively communicate with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Successful candidates often thrive in fast-paced environments and are comfortable taking calculated risks to drive company expansion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Business Development Startup position, and why are they important?

To succeed in a Business Development Startup role, you need strong analytical abilities, market research skills, sales acumen, and ideally a background in business or entrepreneurship. Familiarity with CRM software, data analysis tools like Excel or Tableau, and project management platforms is common, though formal certifications are less emphasized than demonstrated results. Exceptional networking, adaptability, and persuasive communication are standout soft skills for building client relationships and navigating dynamic startup environments. These capabilities enable individuals to identify new opportunities, drive growth, and help startups achieve scalability in competitive markets.

What is a Business Development Startup job?

A Business Development Startup job focuses on identifying growth opportunities, building partnerships, and driving revenue for a new or early-stage company. Professionals in this role analyze market trends, create sales strategies, and develop relationships with clients, investors, or other stakeholders. They often work closely with product, marketing, and leadership teams to scale the business. The role requires strong communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Business Development Startup jobs in California? The most popular types of Business Development Startup jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Business Development Startup jobs in California? For Business Development Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Business Development Startup jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Business Development Startup jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Business Development Startup jobs? Cities in California with the most Business Development Startup job openings:
Business Development Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Business Development Startup job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,481 per year, or $40.6 per hour.
Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

CivicMinds, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About This Role:
  • Identifies, evaluates, and develops relationships with industry groups, accelerators, and university programs where promising emerging companies are developing and may require legal services.
  • Regularly engages with and visits universities and startup venues to build long-term relationships and referral sources.
  • Attends key events and evaluates sponsorship and hosting opportunities (in-office or virtual) to expand visibility and gather market intelligence.
  • Updates the CRM system to track activity and communications with new and existing contacts and identify internal connections.
  • Conducts research on prospective clients, investors, industry sectors, and market trends to inform business development efforts.
  • Screens potential clients to assess needs and alignment with firm criteria; facilitates introductions to lawyers, investors, and service providers as appropriate.
  • Provides guidance to select existing clients and contacts seeking feedback on business plans, fundraising strategies, and competitive landscapes.
  • Maps and tracks relationships with venture capital and early-stage investors, monitors personnel movements and referrals, and recommends strategies to strengthen these relationships.
  • Provides regular updates to partners on progress, leads, referrals, opportunities, and follow-up actions.
  • Secures and supports speaking engagements and other opportunities for lawyers to build visibility among target audiences.
  • Develops and promotes marketing content, including presentations, blog posts, and event materials.
  • Supports and enhances firm platforms, websites, and related marketing and social media initiatives.
  • Reports on deal activity for league tables and promotes rankings, awards, and recognitions.
  • Contributes to legal directory submissions and award nominations.
  • Maintains a strong understanding of firm capabilities, differentiators, and competitors.
  • Tracks and analyzes performance metrics and prepares monthly and quarterly reports.
  • Works with practice groups on business development initiatives aligned with growth goals.
  • Develops tailored pitches and presentations based on client-specific needs.
  • Coordinates updates to web and print marketing collateral, including practice descriptions, matter lists, and biographies.
  • Supports lateral partner onboarding and practice group strategic planning.
  • Collaborates closely with colleagues to ensure service excellence.
  • Performs special projects as assigned by business development leadership.

Required Skills:
  • Deep understanding of startup culture and ability to provide strategic guidance to founders and entrepreneurs.
  • Ability to support business development initiatives across multiple transactional practice groups while aligning with firm-wide goals.
  • Knowledge of the venture capital industry, technology sectors, fundraising trends, and business models.
  • Familiarity with transactional practices such as M&A, private equity, and capital markets.
  • Established relationships within the Bay Area startup ecosystem.
  • Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while engaging key stakeholders.
  • Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce or similar tools preferred.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with high standards for detail and quality.

Required Experience:
  • Minimum of 8+ years of experience in a legal, technology, management, or market analysis environment preferred.
  • At least 3 years of experience in venture capital, accelerator/incubator program management, or a business development role within a startup or startup-focused professional services firm.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree required

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