Venture Development Manager

Overview

Incubator Design & Implementation

• Lead the design and rollout of an early-stage incubation program that supports founders from concept through prototype and product-market fit
• Assess delivery options, including integration with existing platforms, standalone incubators, and international partnerships, and develop supporting business cases
• Design program components, including founder support, product development resources, grants, and launch and follow-on pathways
• Drive implementation, partner coordination, and reporting activities
• Support team build-out and scaling of the platform

Acceleration Track Set-Up

• Lead the design and launch of a gaming acceleration track that supports studios from prototype to commercial scale, market launch, and follow-on funding
• Define the program model, including cohort structure, intake criteria, in-kind support, mentorship, and targeted investment mechanisms
• Evaluate build-versus-partner approaches and define operating models accordingly
• Source, assess, and select delivery partners and operators, establishing mandates, economics, and success metrics
• Lead founder sourcing, selection, onboarding, and performance management across cohorts

Emirati Development Program

• Lead the setup of a dedicated pathway for Emirati-led ventures to create, launch, and scale original gaming IP
• Design program components, including grants, mentorship, milestone-based support, and access to publishers, investors, and international showcases
• Manage applicant sourcing, selection, and milestone governance, linking funding to clearly defined progress gates
• Build founder pipelines through universities, creator communities, and ecosystem partners
• Represent the program to key stakeholders and partners

Requirements

• 6–8 years of experience within fast paced ecosystem and proven internal promotions
• Manager level within MBB or an equivalent top-tier strategy firm
• Direct hands-on experience with early-stage ventures, including incubation, acceleration, venture building, or corporate venture capital
• Proven experience designing and delivering founder-support initiatives or venture development programs

Core Capabilities

• Strong structuring and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate ambiguous mandates into actionable plans, operating models, and business cases
• Proven capability to design and stand-up new programs and initiatives end-to-end
• Ability to independently lead workstreams and drive execution
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong working knowledge of AI tools and their application to strategy, investment evaluation, and project management
• Ability to engage credibly with founders, delivery partners, and senior stakeholders
• Excellent presentation and project management capabilities

Contract Duration

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates