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Startup Business Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gunderson LLC

Business Development Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $210K/yr

A Senior Business Development Manager title may be considered for exceptionally qualified ... Cultivate and grow a strong network within the startup and venture capital community, including ...

iHealth Labs

Business Development Manager

Houston, TX

We are looking for an ambitious and energetic Business Development Manager to help us expand our ... Vivid startup environment with open and collaborative working space with recreational area, healthy ...

Govwell

Business Development Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Role overview GovWell is hiring a Business Development Manager to help accelerate our growth by ... Join a startup in hyper-growth: We've found product-market fit and are scaling the business very ...

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$36.5K

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How much do startup business development manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for startup business development manager in the United States is $85,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Startup Business Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Startup Business Development Manager, you need strong market research, sales strategy, and networking skills, often supported by a business-related degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with CRM tools like Salesforce, data analytics platforms, and lead generation software is typically required. Exceptional communication, creativity, and resilience help you build relationships and adapt quickly in a fast-paced, uncertain environment. These skills are crucial for driving growth, establishing partnerships, and ensuring the startup’s competitive edge in dynamic markets.

How does a Startup Business Development Manager typically collaborate with product and engineering teams?

As a Startup Business Development Manager, you'll frequently work alongside product and engineering teams to align business goals with product capabilities. This often involves communicating market feedback, identifying partnership opportunities, and helping prioritize features that will drive growth. Close collaboration ensures that the solutions being developed truly meet customer needs and support strategic partnerships. Regular cross-functional meetings and agile communication are key to keeping everyone aligned in the fast-paced startup environment.

What does a Startup Business Development Manager do?

A Startup Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying and creating new business opportunities to help a startup grow. This involves building strategic partnerships, developing sales strategies, and expanding the company's customer base. They also conduct market research, negotiate deals, and often collaborate closely with marketing and product teams. Their work is crucial for driving revenue and establishing the startup in competitive markets.

What is the difference between Startup Business Development Manager vs Sales Executive?

AspectStartup Business Development ManagerSales Executive
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; experience in startups or salesBachelor's degree often preferred; sales experience more critical
Work EnvironmentStartups, dynamic and fast-paced, cross-functional rolesCorporate or startup sales teams, target-driven environment
Employer & Industry UsageStartups, tech companies, innovative sectorsVarious industries, including retail, tech, and services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in startup growth and partnershipsFocus on direct sales targets and client acquisition

The Startup Business Development Manager focuses on strategic growth, partnerships, and expanding the startup's market presence, often requiring broader skills in networking and strategy. In contrast, a Sales Executive primarily concentrates on closing sales and meeting revenue targets. Both roles may overlap in skills like communication and industry knowledge but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Startup Business Development Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Startup Business Development Manager jobs? Cities with the most Startup Business Development Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Startup Business Development jobs? The most popular types of Startup Business Development jobs are:
What states have the most Startup Business Development Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Startup Business Development Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Startup Business Development Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Startup Business Development Manager jobs are:
Startup Business Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Startup Business Development Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 10% Full Time, 85% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $85,602 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Business Development Manager

Gunderson LLC

Boston, MA • On-site

$130K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Gunderson Dettmer, the leading law firm serving the innovation economy, is seeking a Business Development Manager to join our Boston office.
Reporting to the Director of Community Engagement, this role is central to advancing the firm's growth strategy, connecting our attorneys with the venture capital and startup community, and deepening our presence in one of the world's most dynamic markets.
The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is energized by building meaningful relationships across the venture ecosystem. A Senior Business Development Manager title may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.
Job Responsibilities
  • Cultivate and grow a strong network within the startup and venture capital community, including founders, investors, accelerators, and other ecosystem partners.
  • Manage and expand key sponsorships to strengthen brand exposure among venture and startup networks.
  • Identify and pursue partnership opportunities that elevate the firm's visibility and reputation.
  • Lead initiatives to grow top-of-funnel engagement and generate new client opportunities.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to attorneys by sharing insights on market trends, industry developments, and personal BD opportunities, and by providing quarterly coaching to new partners to analyze their practice, identify key prospects, and align their personal style with the firm's platform.
  • Participate in annual content review to ensure content reflects what is valuable in the market and actively surface trending issues and key topics for inclusion in external facing materials.
  • Partner with the communications team to promote events, sponsorships, and firm initiatives across various channels.
  • Design and execute events and experiences, such as client dinners, workshops, and thought leadership forums, that align with firm goals.
  • Experiment with new event formats and sponsorship models, using data and feedback to assess ROI and recommend improvements.
  • Supervise and mentor direct reports, setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and fostering professional growth.

Job Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 5 years+ of business development experience within the professional services, legal, startup, or venture capital environment (candidates with deeper experience may be considered for a Senior Manager title).
  • Proven track record of developing and executing client-facing programs that drive business growth.
  • Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively engage with internal peers, stakeholders, clients, and external partners.
  • Demonstrated project management skills with a strong ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks accurately while maintaining close attention to detail throughout all stages of a project.
  • Strong understanding of the startup and venture capital landscape, with a desire and ability to identify and leverage emerging business opportunities.
  • Creative thinker who proactively drives innovative marketing strategies and initiatives.
  • Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and autonomously, applying sound judgment and discretion.
  • Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills; able to maintain regular dialogue and foster collaborative, long-term partnerships.
  • Detail oriented with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and client relationship management systems.

Status
  • Full-Time, Exempt

The expected starting salary for this position is $130,000 - $210,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
In addition to offering competitive salaries, we also offer an excellent benefits package, which includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan; Flexible Spending Account, Paid Time Off and fertility and family building support.
Gunderson Dettmer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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