WEN ecosystem head

Wadhwani Foundation; Arishinakunte; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading philanthropic foundation seeks a Hub Lead to drive the Startup and SMB ecosystem in Arishinakunte, India. The role involves executing regional strategies, fostering stakeholder engagement, and overseeing program delivery. The ideal candidate will have 8–12 years of experience in ecosystem development with strong leadership and communication skills. This position is critical for enhancing the vibrancy of the local startup landscape, collaborating with government and corporate partners.

Qualifications

• 8–12 years in ecosystem development, startup incubation, or government-led entrepreneurship programs.
• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships.
• Understanding of startup funding and innovation ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional ecosystem development strategy.
• Build a thriving startup and SMB ecosystem by fostering collaboration.
• Oversee the Startup and SMB Portfolio Sourcing & Management teams.

Skills

Ecosystem development

Stakeholder engagement

Program execution

Leadership

Communication

Job description

The Hub Lead is responsible for driving the Startup and SMB ecosystem development within their respective city. They will lead all ecosystem-related initiatives, manage key stakeholders, and ensure alignment with the national strategy. They will work closely with government bodies, incubators, accelerators, corporates, and investors to enhance the vibrancy of the startup ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional ecosystem development strategy, ensuring alignment with national objectives.
• Build a thriving startup and SMB ecosystem by fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
• Lead ecosystem mapping efforts, identifying gaps and opportunities in the hub’s startup landscape.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain relationships with incubators, accelerators, investors, SMB, government agencies, and corporates.
• Foster cross-hub collaboration, ensuring best practices and shared knowledge are leveraged across regions.
• Act as a liaison between state government startup missions and central policy initiatives.

Program Oversight & Execution

• Oversee the Startup and SMB Portfolio Sourcing & Management teams to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Guide startups and SMBs through funding readiness programs, investor connects, and market access initiatives.
• Support the creation of tailored programs in high-impact sectors (deep tech, biotech, cleantech, etc.).

Impact Measurement & Reporting

• Track ecosystem performance through key metrics, including revenues, customers, pilots, startup funding, job creation, and collaboration.
• Publish periodic reports on ecosystem health and program effectiveness.
• Leverage data-driven insights to refine strategies and interventions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8–12 years in ecosystem development, startup incubation, venture building, or government-led entrepreneurship programs.
• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and program execution.
• Understanding of startup funding, innovation ecosystems, and government support structures.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with the startup landscape in India’s key hubs (Lucknow, Noida and Bangalore) is a plus.