Wadhwani Foundation
**Job Description: Hub Lead – Ecosystem Development (Overall Strategic Owner) – Pune**
**Location:** Pune City, Maharashtra, India
**Postal Code:** 411002
**Experience Required:** 10-12 years in ecosystem development, startup incubation, venture building, or government-led entrepreneurship programs.
**About the Company:**
Wadhwani Foundation is a leading organization dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting startups and small and medium businesses (SMBs) across India. As part of the WEN LiftOff department, we focus on creating vibrant ecosystems that drive economic growth and innovation.
**Key Responsibilities:**
– **Ecosystem Strategy & Leadership:**
Develop and execute a regional ecosystem development strategy aligned with national objectives. Build a thriving startup and SMB ecosystem by fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. Lead ecosystem mapping efforts to identify gaps and opportunities in the hub’s startup landscape.
– **Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:**
Develop and maintain relationships with incubators, accelerators, investors, government agencies, and corporates. Foster cross-hub collaboration to leverage best practices and shared knowledge. Act as a liaison between state government startup missions and central policy initiatives.
– **Program Oversight & Execution:**
Oversee the Startup and SMB Portfolio Sourcing & Management teams to ensure high-quality program delivery. Guide startups and SMBs through funding readiness programs, investor connects, and market access initiatives. Support the creation of tailored programs in high-impact sectors such as deep tech, biotech, and cleantech.
– **Impact Measurement & Reporting:**
Track ecosystem performance using key metrics like revenues, customers, pilots, startup funding, job creation, and collaboration. Publish periodic reports on ecosystem health and program effectiveness. Leverage data-driven insights to refine strategies and interventions.
**Qualifications & Experience:**
– Proven experience in ecosystem development, startup incubation, venture building, or government-led entrepreneurship programs (8–12 years).
– Strong expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and program execution.
– Understanding of startup funding, innovation ecosystems, and government support structures.
– Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
– Familiarity with the startup landscape in India’s key hubs, particularly Chennai, is a plus.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the future of Pune’s startup ecosystem within a forward-thinking organization.
To apply for this job please visit careers.wfglobal.org.
