Business Development Manager (AI & Game Tech)

Tencent; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation package

RSUs

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Vacation days

Holidays

Sick leave

Job summary

Lightspeed Studios in the United States seeks a Business Development Manager to anchor our AI and gaming ecosystem in North America. You will transform emerging AI and UGC trends into strategic intelligence and bridge world-class talent with our product teams in NA.

Based in the California Bay Area, you will identify partners, source top talent, and build a pipeline for collaboration, investments, and co-development with studios and startups.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in game-related technology and AI applications.
• Experience with or understanding of UGC ecosystems (e.g., Roblox, Minecraft, UEFN) is a plus.
• 3+ years of tech BD/strategy with ability to spot industry trends early.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and evaluation of Generative AI and UGC tech and partners.
• Monitor NA gaming market trends and deliver intelligence to leadership.
• Source and engage top game-industry talent and high-potential startups in NA.
• Develop and maintain a network of experts and potential co-development partners.

Skills

AI & UGC Insight

Market Intelligence

Talent Sourcing

Networking

Mandarin & English

Job description

Business Unit

LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.

Business Unit

LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.

What The Role Entails

As a Business Development Manager, your primary mission is to anchor our organization at the intersection of AI innovation and the gaming ecosystem. You will be the \"eyes and ears\" in North America, focusing heavily on Generative AI and UGC platforms to drive our next generation of growth. You will transform technical trends into strategic intelligence and bridge the gap between world-class talent and our internal product teams.

• AI & UGC Insight: Lead the identification and evaluation of emerging Generative AI and UGC technologies and partners, while assessing their potential impact on game production and player experience


• Market Intelligence: Monitor and analyze the North American gaming market shifts and technology trends. Deliver time-sensitive intelligence to senior leadership and studio heads to support strategic decision-making.


• Project & Talent Scouting: Proactively source and engage with top-tier video-game industry talent and high-potential startups/projects in North America. In addition, build a pipeline of \"game-changing\" innovation for potential investment or collaboration.


• Expert Network & Development Capability Sourcing: Develop and maintain a solid network of contacts related to subject matter experts, and high-quality co-development/outsourcing partners to accelerate our internal project timelines.

Who We Look For

• Technical Acumen: A deep, demonstratable interest in game-related technology. High proficiency in AI applications is mandatory. Experience with or a strong understanding of UGC ecosystems (e.g., Roblox, Minecraft, UEFN) is a top-tier advantage.


• Strategic Vision: 3+ years of experience in tech BD, strategy with a proven track record of identifying industry-shifting trends before they go mainstream.


• Sourcing Capabilities: Strong \"hunter\" instincts with the ability to navigate the NA tech landscape to find elite talent and stealth-mode projects.


• Local Professional Network: Currently based in the California Bay Area with an active network among local developers, AI researchers and startup founders.


• Language & Communication: Exceptional analytical output and negotiation skills in both Mandarin and English. Ability to synthesize complex technical concepts into clear business cases for cross-border stakeholders.

Location State(s)

US-California-Palo Alto

The expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $124,000.00 to $233,600.00 per year. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

• Employees hired for this position may be eligible for a sign on payment, relocation package, and restricted stock units, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.


• Subject to the terms and conditions of the plans in effect, hired applicants are also eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, and participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan.


• The Employee is also eligible for up to 15 to 25 days of vacation per year (depending on the employee’s tenure), up to 13 days of holidays throughout the calendar year, and up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year.


• Your benefits may be adjusted to reflect your location, employment status, duration of employment with the company, and position level. Benefits may also be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent

As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.