Startup Ecosystem Partnership Manager

HCLTech; Dadri; On-site; INR 2,400,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Job summary

HCL Technologies Limited is seeking a strategic leader to own the startup ecosystem engagement within the Strategy Office in India. You will build and nurture relationships with startups, accelerators, and tech innovators, tracking deep-tech players and identifying partner opportunities.

You will define synergy goals with portfolio companies, develop executive dashboards, and present updates to CXOs and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Background in technology industry with 10+ years of experience.
• MBA from reputed institute preferred, strong tech grounding is mandatory.
• Experience in startup ecosystem engagement, scouting, corporate venture capital, or partnerships.
• Ability to build and sustain a network within startup and investor communities.
• Strong CXO-level communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and own map of deep-tech startup ecosystem aligned to strategic priorities.
• Proactively engage startups, accelerators, incubators, and communities early.
• Own strategic partnerships with investor/investee companies and set synergy goals.
• Create executive-ready dashboards and scorecards on ecosystem engagement and pipeline.

Skills

Tech product management

Executive communication

Networking

Ecosystem engagement

Strategic partnerships

Education

MBA

Job description

This role will be part of the Strategy Office and be the primary owner of the organization's startup ecosystem engagement — building and nurturing relationships with startups, accelerators, and technology innovators. This role is expected to maintain a wide and early lens on the ecosystem — tracking emerging deep-tech players, building relationships proactively, and develop partner business opportunities. The incumbent will also own the strategic partnership charter with portfolio/investee companies, ensuring synergy goals are defined, tracked, and delivered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build, own, and continuously expand a mapped view of the deep-tech startup ecosystem relevant to the organization's strategic priorities.


• Proactively engage with startups, founders, accelerators, incubators, and technology communities ahead of formal investment conversations, ensuring the organization has early visibility and strong relationships.


• Own and drive strategic partnerships with existing investor/investee companies, defining clear synergy goals and tracking their realization.


• Build and maintain executive-ready dashboards and scorecards on ecosystem engagement, partnership pipeline, and synergy/value realization.

Desired Candidate Profile:

• Background in the technology industry either in product development or product management; MBA from a reputed institute is preferred but a strong technology grounding is non-negotiable with 10+ years of experience


• Genuine understanding of and curiosity for the broader technology landscape — able to evaluate deep-tech startups on their technical merit and strategic relevance.


• Prior experience in startup ecosystem engagement, technology scouting, corporate venture capital, innovation/incubation programs, or strategic partnerships is highly preferred.


• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a personal network within the startup and investor community.


• Strong executive communication skills, with experience presenting to and working alongside CXOs and senior leadership.


• Strong technology acumen combined with business and commercial judgment


• Entrepreneurial mindset with genuine curiosity about emerging technology and startups


• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills within the startup/investor ecosystem


• Ability to operate independently and proactively in an ambiguous, fast-evolving space


• Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills across internal and external audiences


• Excellent verbal, written, and executive presentation skills


• Ability to engage confidently with CXO-level stakeholders and founders alike