Manager, Innovation, Startup Ecosystem & Partnerships (India)

Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN); Odisha; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Networking opportunities

Global partnerships

Impactful projects

Job summary

Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) in India is seeking a Manager – Innovation, Startup Ecosystem & Partnerships to lead the BharatNetra FinTech Innovation Hub. You will build and manage the startup ecosystem, run incubation and accelerator programmes, and turn relationships into tangible value for startups, partners and BharatNetra.

You will work with founders, investors, corporates, government stakeholders and international ecosystem partners to identify commercial opportunities,

Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial, well-connected and execution-focused profile.
• Demonstrated experience with startups, founders, corporates or ecosystem partners.
• 4–5 years in startup ecosystem, FinTech, management consulting or related fields.
• Ability to build relationships and convert them into opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a pipeline of FinTech and ecosystem opportunities.
• Manage incubation, acceleration and startup development programmes end-to-end.
• Develop partnerships, sponsorships and revenue opportunities for the Innovation Hub.
• Coordinate investor and enterprise connections and ecosystem events.
• Leverage international networks to access markets and partners.
• Track KPIs and report outcomes to senior management.

Skills

Entrepreneurial

Well-connected

Commercial orientation

Execution-focused

Job description

The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). We convene decision-makers across finance, technology, and policy to shape the future of the financial system through global partnerships that drive innovation and create positive impact worldwide.

GFTN hosts a worldwide network of forums and programmes; advises governments and companies on policies and the development of digital ecosystems and innovation within the financial sector; offers digital infrastructure solutions, and plans to invest in financial technology startups through its upcoming venture fund, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability.

About the Role

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, highly networked and commercially oriented Manager – Innovation, Startup Ecosystem & Partnerships to drive the development and operations of the BharatNetra FinTech Innovation Hub.

The role will focus on building and managing the startup ecosystem, running incubation and accelerator programmes, understanding and addressing startup requirements, facilitating investor and enterprise connects, developing strategic ecosystem partnerships, and identifying commercial opportunities for the Innovation Hub.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with founders, investors, corporates, government stakeholders and international ecosystem partners, with the ability to convert relationships into tangible outcomes for startups, partners and BharatNetra.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Startup Ecosystem & Engagement

• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of promising FinTech, InsurTech, Digital Finance, AI and emerging technology startups.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard startups aligned with the Innovation Hub's focus areas and programme objectives.
• Develop strong relationships with founders and understand their business, technology, funding, talent and market-access requirements.
• Act as a key point of contact for startups and connect them with relevant mentors, investors, enterprises and ecosystem partners.
• Identify opportunities where the Innovation Hub can create tangible value for startups.
• Maintain a structured database and pipeline of startups, founders and ecosystem opportunities.

2. Sales & Business Development

• Build and manage a pipeline of prospective corporates, financial institutions, ecosystem partners, sponsors and programme clients.
• Identify opportunities for paid accelerator programmes, innovation programmes, corporate innovation engagements, sponsorships and strategic partnerships.
• Understand partner and client requirements and work with internal teams to develop relevant propositions and solutions.
• Own the business development cycle from lead generation and qualification through proposal, negotiation and closure.
• Develop proposals, concept notes, pitch decks and commercial propositions for prospective partners and clients.
• Identify opportunities to generate revenue through Innovation Hub programmes, partnerships, sponsorships and ecosystem offerings.
• Maintain a structured sales pipeline and regularly track opportunities, conversion and revenue outcomes.
• Support achievement of annual business development and revenue targets for the Innovation Hub.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing relationships and convert successful programmes or pilots into longer-term engagements.

3. Incubation & Accelerator Programmes

• Design, plan and execute incubation, acceleration, innovation challenge, hackathon and startup development programmes.
• Manage the end-to-end programme lifecycle — from startup sourcing and selection to mentoring, workshops, pilots, investor connects and graduation.
• Develop programme calendars, milestones and engagement plans in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and manage a network of mentors, industry experts, founders and subject-matter specialists.
• Organise Demo Days, Investor Days, startup showcases, pitch sessions and ecosystem events.
• Track startup progress and programme outcomes and continuously improve programme design based on feedback and results.

4. Investor & Funding Connect

• Develop relationships with VC funds, angel investors, family offices, corporate venture capital teams and other sources of startup capital.
• Understand the funding requirements of portfolio startups and facilitate relevant investor introductions.
• Support startups in becoming investor‑ready through pitch opportunities, curated introductions and ecosystem engagements.
• Organise investor‑focused events and opportunities for startups to showcase their businesses.
• Track investment outcomes and build a strong network of investors around the Innovation Hub.
• Build relationships with banks, NBFCs, insurers, payment companies, FinTechs, technology companies and other enterprises.
• Understand enterprise innovation requirements and identify relevant startups that can address these challenges.
• Develop open‑innovation opportunities around emerging areas such as AI, digital public infrastructure, payments, lending, insurance and financial inclusion.
• Identify opportunities to convert successful pilots and partnerships into longer‑term commercial engagements.

6. Global & Market Access

• Leverage GFTN's international network to create opportunities for startups to access global markets, investors, enterprises and innovation ecosystems.
• Facilitate participation of selected startups in international programmes, showcases, competitions and FinTech events.
• Identify potential international partners for startup exchange, market entry and collaboration.
• Help position BharatNetra as a gateway connecting Odisha's startup ecosystem with national and global FinTech markets.
• Own programme timelines, stakeholder coordination and execution.
• Develop and track key performance indicators for startup, innovation and business development programmes.
• Prepare periodic dashboards, reports and presentations for senior management and government stakeholders.
• Track startup engagement, partnerships, PoCs, investments, international connects, commercial opportunities and other programme outcomes.
• Coordinate with internal teams across communications, events, partnerships and operations

Candidate Qualifications:

We are looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, well‑connected, commercially oriented and execution‑focused, with the ability to build relationships and convert them into meaningful opportunities.

Work Experience:

• 4–5 years of professional experience in one or more of the following:
• Startup ecosystem / incubator / accelerator
• FinTech / financial services
• Management consulting
• Technology or startup ecosystem organisations
• Demonstrated experience working directly with startups, founders, corporates or ecosystem partners.
• Experience in managing programmes, partnerships or business development initiatives.

Industry experience in one or more of the following areas:

• FinTech, InsurTech, Payments, Lending, Digital Finance or AI.
• Startup accelerators or incubation programmes.
• VC funds, angel networks or startup fundraising.
• Corporate innovation and PoC programmes.
• B2B sales or consultative business development.
• Government‑led innovation or entrepreneurship programmes.
• International startup or innovation ecosystems.

Other Skills:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem‑solving and negotiation skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Highly self‑motivated with problem‑solving skills