Senior Head/Head Of Strategic Partnership, Cap Vista

DSTA; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Singapore is seeking a Head of Strategic Partnership to facilitate the engagement with dual-use technologies. This role requires identifying promising start-ups that match defense applications and managing partnerships with strategic global entities. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Engineering and 6 to 10 years of relevant experience in the startup or venture capital sectors. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach are essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 6 to 10 years of experience in partnerships within start-ups, venture capital, or deep-tech agencies.
• Ability to build expertise in venture capital and expand professional networks.
• Strong analytical thinking and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate dual-use start-ups with potential defence applications.
• Lead and manage partnerships with strategic global partners.
• Explore common interests with partners to establish collaborations.
• Maintain working relationships to support co-investment deals.

Skills

Interest in start-up ecosystem

Expertise in venture capital

Passion for technology and innovation

Education

Degree in Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Cap Vista is the venture investment arm of MINDEF, dedicated to harnessing disruptive dual‑use technologies through strategic partnerships with venture capitalists, innovation entities, government agencies, and ecosystem partners. Our key focus areas include cybersecurity, AI, autonomy and robotics, sensors, networks, and communications.

Job Role

As the Head of Strategic Partnership, you will facilitate and promote the engagement and adoption of dual‑use technologies by our Defence Technology Community (DTC) partners. Through bottom‑up research and analysis and by cultivating relationships in the start‑up ecosystem, you will identify promising dual‑use start‑ups that align with defence applications. Together with our DTC counterparts, you will evaluate these technologies and identify potential collaboration opportunities, such as R&D projects, proof‑of‑concepts, and joint development initiatives. To drive these partnerships effectively, you must understand DTC’s problem statements, interests, and contracting mechanisms. Additionally, you will explore mutual interest collaborations with key strategic and global partners, such as ST Engineering, Enterprise Singapore, and other global entities, to enhance Cap Vista’s effectiveness in harnessing dual‑use technologies. You will also formalise and maintain working relationships with global entities to support co‑investment deals.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology Scouting & Adoption: Identify and evaluate dual‑use start‑ups with potential defence applications. Work closely with DTC partners to assess technologies and facilitate collaborations.
• Strategic Partnerships & Engagements: Lead and manage partnerships with strategic and global partners to enhance Cap Vista’s ability to harness dual‑use technologies.
• Mutual Interest Collaboration: Identify and explore common interests with partners to establish meaningful collaborations.
• Global Partnerships & Co‑Investment: Formalise and maintain working relationships with global entities to support co‑investment deals.

Education & Experience

• A degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• 6 to 10 years of relevant experience in partnerships within start‑ups, venture capital, or deep‑tech agencies.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong interest in the start‑up ecosystem and early‑stage companies.
• Ability to quickly build expertise in venture capital and expand professional networks.
• Passion for technology and innovation, with a willingness to learn across diverse technical domains.

Personal Attributes

• Self‑starter with analytical thinking and a strong point of view.
• High work ethics and energy, with the ability to operate independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in engaging C‑level executives across start‑ups, government entities, and industry leaders.