AI Startup Ecosystem Executive

The AI Platform Startup Ecosystem Partnership Executive will be responsible for designing,

scaling, and executing a global ecosystem strategy for a new AI open compute platform

tailored to academics and startups. This platform integrates IBM Research’s advanced AI

language models (LLMs) with Red Hat’s AI platform technologies. This high-impact role

requires a visionary leader capable of bridging startup ecosystems, technology

partnerships, and corporate innovation to build a robust, scalable platform. Reporting into

Red Hat Ecosystem leadership, the executive will collaborate with a joint team from IBM

Research, IBM Ventures, and Red Hat to accelerate the adoption of their AI technologies

and platform within startups and academic institutions.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading and scaling institutionally

backed startups, deep involvement and connections within the startup ecosystem—

particularly in Massachusetts—and a strong ability to forge global partnerships. They must

demonstrate a proven track record of developing new businesses within both startup and

large technology companies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ecosystem Strategy Development & Execution

o Lead the development of a comprehensive ecosystem strategy to position

the Open Compute platform, positioning Red Hat as a

leader in AI innovation in the academic and startup communities.

o Champion the integration of IBM Research’s AI models and Red Hat’s

platform technologies into startup and academic ecosystems, promoting

scalable adoption and innovation.

2. Building Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships

o Develop partnership models and incentive offerings that facilitate access to

the Open Cloud platform, ensuring broad and scalable use across the

ecosystem.

o Establish and nurture high-value partnerships with accelerators, venture

capital firms, and academic institutions.

o Establish and nurture technology partners that offer perks and incentives

that enhance and extend the value of the Open Compute Platform.

o Forge co-innovation partnerships with enterprise clients, enabling startups

and academic institutions to collaborate on AI-driven innovation.

3. Corporate Venture Collaboration

o Collaborate with IBM Ventures to align investments with the ecosystem

strategy, focusing on high-growth AI and open-source startups.

o Identify and capitalize on venture capital investment opportunities that drive

ecosystem growth, particularly in startups utilizing IBM and Red Hat

technologies.

4. Financial Models and Metrics for Ecosystem Growth

o Contribute to developing financial models based on ecosystem economics

to drive long-term profitability and success.

o Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for ecosystem growth, including

startup acquisition rates, platform utilization, and ongoing ecosystem

engagement.

5. Strategic Alignment Across IBM Research, Red Hat, and IBM Ventures

o Ensure synergy between IBM Research and Red Hat Ecosystem strategies,

maximizing the combined impact of their technologies.

o Facilitate internal collaboration to remove barriers for startups, creating

seamless access to both IBM and Red Hat AI tools and resources.

6. Incubate and Validate the MOC Ecosystem Partnership Model in Massachusetts

o Work with the IBM Research and Red Hat teams to incubate and scale a

value-added ecosystem partnership model in Massachusetts, fostering the

growth and adoption of the Massachusetts Open Cloud (MOC) platform,

sponsored by Red Hat and powered by IBM Research’s AI LLMs.

o Establish relationships with Massachusetts-based academic institutions,

startup accelerators, venture capital and angel networks, government

agencies to drive awareness, collaboration, and a pipeline of academic and

startup users.

o Recruit and close value-added technology partners offering solutions and/or

incentives that enhance and extend the MOC value proposition.

o Establish a Massachusetts-based advisory board composed of startup,

academic, and venture capital stakeholders to provide feedback and

strategic advice for the Massachusetts Open Cloud (MOC) platform.

7. Leadership in Innovation and Operations

o Act as a key voice for the startup customer, translating insights from the

ecosystem into actionable initiatives for product and business teams.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent communicator, evangelist and storyteller able to communicate to a wide

range of stakeholders from startup founders to economic development and non-

profit stakeholders, to investors, C-suite executives.

• 10+ years of experience building and scaling institutionally-backed startups, with

proven success in creating global ecosystem partnerships.

• Extensive startup accelerator experience, with deep relationships across venture

capital networks and academia.

• Proven leadership in developing corporate innovation strategies, fostering deep

collaboration between startups and large technology companies.

• Expertise in platform ecosystem models and knowledge of key methodologies.

• Strong business acumen experience with AI and open-source technologies,

particularly within startup ecosystems.

• Extensive connections and relationships with accelerators, VCs, and technology

partners that enable rapid action and execution in building partnerships and driving

adoption.

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and scaling global

partnerships to drive ecosystem growth.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Vision: Ability to craft and communicate a forward-thinking ecosystem

platform strategy, positioning the MOC, IBM Research, and Red Hat as leaders in AI

innovation.

• Corporate Open-Innovation: Strong experience and success leading corporate

innovation initiatives by aligning internal teams with ecosystem partners with long-

term business goals.

• Platform Ecosystem Economics: Expertise in developing financial models for

ecosystem platform growth, ensuring sustainability and long-term success.

• Operational Excellence: Proven ability to manage complex, global initiatives and

collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

The salary range for this position is $214,670.00 - $364,970.00. Actual offer will be based on your qualifications.

Pay Transparency

Red Hat determines compensation based on several factors including but not limited to job location, experience, applicable skills and training, external market value, and internal pay equity. Annual salary is one component of Red Hat’s compensation package. This position may also be eligible for bonus, commission, and/or equity. For positions with Remote-US locations, the actual salary range for the position may differ based on location but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. 

About Red Hat

Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver high-performing Linux, cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies. Spread across 40+ countries, our associates work flexibly across work environments, from in-office, to office-flex, to fully remote, depending on the requirements of their role. Red Hatters are encouraged to bring their best ideas, no matter their title or tenure. We're a leader in open source because of our open and inclusive environment. We hire creative, passionate people ready to contribute their ideas, help solve complex problems, and make an impact.

Benefits
●    Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
●    Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
●    Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
●    Retirement 401(k) with employer match
●    Paid time off and holidays
●    Paid parental leave plans for all new parents
●    Leave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leave
●    Additional benefits including employee stock purchase plan, family planning reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more! 

Note: These benefits are only applicable to full time, permanent associates at Red Hat located in the United States. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Red Hat
Red Hat’s culture is built on the open source principles of transparency, collaboration, and inclusion, where the best ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. When this is realized, it empowers people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to come together to share ideas, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation. Our aspiration is that everyone experiences this culture with equal opportunity and access, and that all voices are not only heard but also celebrated. We hope you will join our celebration, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all the beautiful dimensions of diversity that compose our global village.

Equal Opportunity Policy (EEO)
Red Hat is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We review applications for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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