Partnerships Manager

Job Description

500 Global is a venture capital firm with $2.2B in assets under management, investing in 3,000+ companies across 80+ countries. With 180+ team members in 27 countries, we partner with founders, investors, and governments to build thriving startup ecosystems through innovation and capital.

We are seeking a Strategic Partnerships Manager to lead the firm’s efforts in building, managing, and growing impactful partnerships. Based in Palo Alto, this role requires a strategic thinker with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills and a proven ability to drive measurable business outcomes. You will oversee partnership strategy and execution, lead sponsorship initiatives, engage international delegations, and support key events — ensuring all efforts align with the firm’s broader objectives.

Essential Functions

• Develop strong relationships with technology and commercial corporations that can form strong partnerships, create value, and maximize outcomes for founders in our programs and portfolio. Own and manage these partnerships globally, for global reach, to ensure conversations are managed well and effectively, and to provide support to various teams for partnership needs.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate these partnership opportunities alongside revenue targets and identify suitable placements and points of engagement with portfolio companies.
• Explore and develop specific initiatives that can be executed with sponsors and partners to diversify and expand partnership impact.
• Track and report on partnership performance, ensuring outcomes meet agreed goals and contribute to value creation.
• Lead rollout of partnership initiatives, including planning, coordinating, executing, and reporting of events and activations.
• In collaboration with the Market Strategy team, support and manage international delegations, ensuring seamless experiences that promote the firm’s interests and build long-term relationships.
• Collaborate with marketing and operations teams to maximize visibility and impact of partnership-related events.
• Manage relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure partnerships align with the firm’s best interests.
• Act as the key liaison across departments, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration in partnership execution

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Marketing, or a related field 5+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, or strategic account management. Strong track record of negotiating and closing high-value partnerships, with revenue impact. Knowledge of VC / startup / corporate dynamics, with experience working across global markets Experience in event execution and delegation management preferred. Excellent communication (written, spoken, presentation) and relationship-building skills. Strong analytical and reporting capabilities to measure ROI of partnership activities. Self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.