Business Development Lead at NIKA in Austin

You'll build and own Nika's business development engine from Day 1.

This isn't a traditional partnerships role. We're not looking for people that simply take meetings and make introductions. We're looking for builders.

You'll source, structure, negotiate, and execute strategic partnerships across crypto, fintech, trading, creators, communities, protocols, infrastructure providers, and distribution partners. You'll work directly with the founding team and your decisions will visibly impact the company's growth every week.

We expect you to:

• Source and execute strategic partnerships from end-to-end.
• Build and manage outbound pipelines across multiple industries and ecosystems.
• Structure commercial arrangements with protocols, creators, communities, and strategic partners.
• Negotiate partnership terms and economics.
• Identify entirely new growth opportunities for the business.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, growth, and product teams.
• Operate with urgency and independence—identify problems, propose solutions, and execute.

What We're Looking For

• Raw Intelligence & Drive — We hire for brains, grit, and commitment over pedigree. Ten years of mediocrity can't beat raw talent and obsession.
• Builder Mentality — You don't wait for opportunities. You create them.
• Exceptional Communication & Negotiation Skills.
• Crystal Clear Communication — No translators.
• Startup Killer DNA — Self-starter, thrives in chaos, relentless problem-solver.
• High Agency — You're comfortable creating structure where none exists.
• Consumer fintech, trading, or crypto experience.

Nice to Haves

• Experience negotiating commercial partnerships.
• Existing relationships across crypto or fintech ecosystems.
• Founder or startup experience.
• Exceptional networking abilities.

What to Expect

• Ownership from Day 1 — You'll own core parts of our business development strategy. Don't sit around waiting.
• Direct Impact — Your work will directly impact partnerships, distribution, and growth.
• High-Performance Environment — Maniacal urgency, no fluff, no politics.
• Upside Potential — Exceptional performance is rewarded disproportionately.
• Mission First Culture — We demand excellence. Camaraderie is secondary to winning.

Our Interview Process

We do not believe in traditional interview processes, and a practical experience is better for us to gauge your experience. Work trials are paid generously and we may fly you out to integrate with the team.

Application Requirements

• Examples of partnerships you've sourced or negotiated.
• Anything you've built that demonstrates exceptional ability.
• Links to products, companies, projects, or initiatives you've worked on (highlight your role).
• Verifiable deal flow.
• (Optional) Side projects or anything else that demonstrates exceptional talent and curiosity.

We care significantly more about intelligence, work ethic, ownership, and execution than years of experience.

Compensation

Base salary + high ownership and/or uncapped commissions.