Start Up Program Manager

Were a global team of over 400 people working together to push the boundaries of open-source technology and multi-cloud solutions. Our vision is to help developers builders and creators bring their ideas to life with speed and simplicity by providing a cloud data platform that makes open-source databases search streaming and application infrastructure easily accessible to everyone.

The Role:

The US market represents a big growth opportunity for Aiven and Aiven for Startups. Today we support US startups- but without a dedicated ecosystem lead on the ground.

If you have spent the last 23 years working inside the startup ecosystem- in an accelerator startup community VC platform team or startup event organization- youve learned how ecosystems move how founders think and how relationships compound. At Aiven were offering you the opportunity to turn that ecosystem access into structured growth.

Together with the Aiven for Startups team you will build the engine behind Aiven for Startups in the US.

You will join the Aiven for Startups team within the Office of the CEO working closely with the Sustainability & Startup Program Lead (Paris) the Startup Program Manager (Helsinki) the VP of Corporate Development and the US Go-To-Market team.

This is a highly visible role. You will operate at the intersection of ecosystem building operational execution and strategic expansion.

What youll be doing:

• Build and nurture relationships with ecosystem players in the US
• Develop referral pipelines with VCs and community leaders to increase high-quality startup applications
• Manage the full startup lifecycle: from application screening and eligibility assessment to onboarding and graduation
• Lead founder conversations to assess fit and long-term potential
• Track engagement credit usage and expansion signals within your portfolio
• Apply and refine the existing Aiven for Startups playbook for the US market
• Identify process improvements to increase program scalability and efficiency

What Were Looking For:

• 23 years of experience within the startup ecosystem
• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience
• Strong relationship-building skills and confidence engaging founders and investors
• Operational rigor and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
• Comfort working with data and performance metrics
• Clear and professional communication skills

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd:

• Deep interest in AI data infrastructure or open-source technologies
• Existing network in the Austin or broader US startup ecosystem
• Comfort operating in highly visible executive-facing environments

If you are excited about building ecosystem momentum working closely with executive leadership and turning startup relationships into measurable business impact we would love to hear from you.

Amazing! Whats next:

If you think Aiven is the place for you and that ourValuesalign with yours send us your resume and well get in touch!

Global Benefits:

Our global benefits are designed to help you thrive and grow personally and professionally:

• Participate in Aivens equity plan.
• Balance work and life with our hybrid work policy.
• Choose the equipment you need to set yourself up for success.
• Use your Professional Development Plan budget for learning opportunities.
• Receive holistic wellbeing support through our global Employee Assistance Program.
• Inquire about our Global Time Off Commitment (Parental and Sick Leave as well as Personal Time)
• Enjoy country-specific benefits for our global cast.

How to Recognize and Avoid Employment Scams:

There has been a rise in fake job postings used by scammers to get personal information. At Aiven all of our emails relating to recruitment come from an @ @ or @ domain and all of our interviews are conducted by video call or in person. Our interviews will never occur via text or chat. If youre unsure of the legitimacy of a job opportunity/offer pertaining to Aiven please dont hesitate to reach out to us at

Equal Opportunities:

Aiven provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to age gender identity national or ethnic origin religion sexual orientation physical and mental ability marital and family status or without regard to any other similar personal attributes. Aiven complies with applicable local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff transfer leaves of absence compensation training and any other terms and conditions related to employment.

At Aiven we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or special needs in our working environment and job application procedures. We make all reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or who otherwise need support to thrive in the workplace. We are committed to continuously improving workplace accessibility. There is an option to request a discussion in the application process but if you have any questions before applying please write to us at

Required Experience:

Manager