Senior Corporate Development Lead, AI

Datadog; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-breed onboarding

Generous global benefits

Intra-departmental mentor program

Job summary

Datadog is looking for a Senior Corporate Development Lead to drive AI product strategy and build relationships across the VC ecosystem. This hybrid role involves sourcing high-potential AI startups and collaborating with engineering leaders.

The ideal candidate possesses a background in technical domains, excellent communication skills, and a passion for AI. Datadog values its office culture and aims to create a work-life harmony that fits all employees.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical knowledge through past experience or a degree in Computer Science.
• Some experience with financial modeling, forecasting, or analysis.
• Excited about building a strong network across founders and VCs.

Responsibilities

• Support Datadog’s AI product strategy by analyzing emerging technologies.
• Source high-potential AI startups for acquisition or partnership.
• Attend meetups and events to expand visibility and opportunities.
• Drive workstreams across diligence, valuation, and recommendations.
• Partner with leaders to evaluate aligned opportunities.
• Collaborate on integration planning post-acquisition.

Skills

Technical knowledge (software engineering, product management, VC)

Financial modeling

Strong communication skills

Negotiation capabilities

Education

Degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

Datadog is seeking a highly motivated Senior Corporate Development Lead to drive our AI product strategy, build strong relationships across the founder and VC ecosystem, and support high-impact initiatives including acquisitions, venture investments, and startup partnerships.

You will be part of a small, high-visibility team that reports directly to Datadog’s Founder/CEO. The ideal candidate is passionate about AI and developer tools, comfortable rolling up their sleeves, and excited to operate in a fluid, technically demanding environment. You will support evaluations, source promising AI startups, collaborate closely with internal product and engineering leaders, and help position Datadog as the preferred partner for the next generation of founders.

This role is ideal for someone who is hungry for increased responsibility, operates with authenticity and creativity, and prioritizes the company’s interests.

At Datadog, we place value in our office culture - the relationships and collaboration it builds, and the creativity it brings to the table. We operate as a hybrid workplace to ensure our Datadogs can create a work-life harmony that best fits them.

What You’ll Do:

Support Datadog’s AI product strategy by analyzing emerging technologies, market opportunities, and competitive dynamics.

Source high-potential AI startups for acquisition, investment, or partnership, and build a strong presence across the founder and VC ecosystem.

Attend meetups, conferences, and ecosystem events to expand Datadog’s visibility and pipeline opportunities.

Drive workstreams across diligence, valuation, financial modeling, strategic assessment, and internal recommendations.

Partner with Product and Engineering leaders to evaluate build/buy/partner opportunities aligned with Datadog’s AI roadmap.

Support negotiation processes, including term sheets and partnership structures.

Collaborate on integration planning with cross-functional partners after acquisitions or strategic deals.

Help attract early-stage AI companies into Datadog’s startup program.

Who You Are:

Demonstrated technical knowledge through past experience (software engineering, product management, VC, etc.) or a degree in Computer Science (or equivalent).

Some experience with financial modeling, forecasting, or analysis (willingness to learn; we can teach you).

Excited about building and maintaining a strong network across founders, VCs, and the broader AI ecosystem.

Self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous, and technically challenging environments.

Excellent prioritization and ability to operate across multiple complex stakeholders and projects.

Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for developing negotiation capabilities.

Benefits and Growth:

• Best-in-breed onboarding
• Generous global benefits
• Intra-departmental mentor and buddy program for in-hou