Business Development Specialist

Risin Ventures is a venture builder and ecosystem developer focused on building, investing, and scaling technology startups across the GCC. Besides building next gen startups, we also work closely with governments, corporates, regulators, and founders to design and run innovation programs such as hackathons, incubation and acceleration programs, corporate venture studios, and deep-tech commercialization initiatives.

We are now looking for a high-energy Business Development professional who thrives in fast-paced startup environments and can take ownership of deals end-to-end across the region.

As a Business Development Specialist, you will play a key role in expanding Risin Ventures’ regional footprint by sourcing, pitching, and closing opportunities related to:

• Innovation programs (hackathons, incubators, accelerators)
• Corporate and government partnerships
• Ecosystem collaborations (VCs, FIs, regulators, universities)

This role is ideal for someone who is hands-on, sales-driven, and comfortable wearing multiple hats in a small, ambitious team.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across the GCC, including government, corporate, and ecosystem partners
• Actively pitch Risin Ventures’ offerings in innovation programs, startup acceleration, venture studios, and investment-linked initiatives
• Build and manage strong relationships with decision‑makers, innovation heads, founders, and ecosystem stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with internal teams on proposal development, program design inputs, and commercial structuring
• Represent and manage Risin Ventures at startup events, demo days, pitch competitions, and ecosystem forums
• Maintain a strong pipeline and regularly report on BD progress and conversions
• Support events and programs management for smooth execution.

• 2–3 years of experience in Business Development, Sales, Partnerships, or Growth roles
• Experience in a startup, VC-backed company, consulting firm, or fast‑paced environment is mandatory
• Strong passion for sales, partnerships, and market expansion
• Solid understanding of:
• Hackathons, incubation & acceleration programs
• Startup growth journeys and GTM strategies
• Investment and venture‑building landscapes (VCs, venture studios, innovation hubs)
• Ability to travel within the GCC up to 20% of the time
• Proven ability to work in small, lean teams with high ownership
• Comfortable closing deals end‑to‑end with minimal hand‑holding
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and Arabic is a plus.

• Exposure to high‑impact innovation and venture‑building projects across the region
• Work directly with founders, investors, regulators, and government entities
• Opportunity to grow into a senior BD or partnerships leadership role
• Fast learning curve and real ownership from day one