Business Development Manager / Lead

About Merklio

Merklio is an early-stage AI and Web3 venture ecosystem supporting founders, builders, and emerging teams across AI agents, blockchain infrastructure, DeFi, wallets, trading products, on-chain data, developer tools, automation, and AI-native applications.We work with global teams and early-stage projects to provide venture scouting, ecosystem support, talent matching, partnerships, product and growth resources, and go-to-market connections.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Business Development Manager / Lead to help expand Merklio’s AI / Web3 ecosystem. This role is focused on identifying high-potential founders, projects, protocols, funds, communities, KOLs, and ecosystem partners, then building long-term relationships that can lead to investment, incubation, partnerships, growth support, or strategic collaboration.This is not a traditional sales role. We are looking for someone who understands Web3 markets, early-stage projects, founder needs, partnership logic, and ecosystem growth.

Responsibilities

• Source and connect with early-stage AI / Web3 founders, projects, protocols, funds, communities, and ecosystem partners.
• Build and manage a BD pipeline across Telegram, X, LinkedIn, Discord, email, events, communities, and personal networks.
• Identify promising projects across AI agents, DeFi, wallets, trading products, prediction markets, RWA, stablecoins, on-chain data, developer tools, and Web3 infrastructure.
• Support partnership discussions, founder outreach, project evaluation, and ecosystem relationship building.
• Help portfolio and partner projects connect with relevant resources, including talent, KOLs, communities, market partners, exchanges, and strategic collaborators.
• Track outreach, project information, communication progress, and partnership opportunities in internal systems.
• Work closely with Merklio’s distributed team to evaluate project fit and move promising opportunities forward.
• Contribute market insights on AI / Web3 trends, emerging projects, user growth channels, and regional ecosystem opportunities.

Requirements

• Experience in business development, partnerships, growth, investment, ecosystem development, or founder/project sourcing.
• Strong understanding of Web3, crypto, AI, DeFi, exchanges, wallets, trading products, communities, or early-stage startup ecosystems.
• Ability to identify high-potential projects and understand their business model, product direction, market positioning, and partnership needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable with remote, global, fast-moving work environments.
• Able to work independently, build a pipeline, follow up consistently, and drive conversations from first contact to next steps.
• English communication ability is preferred; additional languages such as Chinese are a plus.

Nice to Have

• Existing network across Web3 founders, exchanges, funds, KOLs, communities, launchpads, market makers, or ecosystem partners.
• Experience with AI agents, DeFi, prediction markets, RWA, stablecoins, trading, wallets, or on-chain data products.
• Previous experience in VC, incubators, accelerators, exchanges, Web3 BD, KOL operations, project listing, fundraising, or founder support.
• Experience helping projects grow from 0 to 1.

Work Model

• Remote / globally distributed.
• Full-time preferred, but part-time, advisor, or project-based collaboration can be discussed depending on background and fit.

Compensation

Reference range: USD 5,000–9,000 per month, depending on experience, resources, availability, and scope of responsibility.For strong candidates, performance-based bonuses, project-based incentives, or upside structures may also be discussed.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who can understand both the project side and the market side: founders, capital, users, partnerships, communities, and growth channels. You should be able to spot promising AI / Web3 projects early, open doors, build trust, and help turn ecosystem opportunities into real collaboration.