Director, Accelerator Programs

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As the Accelerator Director (Full-time contractor), you will assume the responsibilities of overseeing the operations of the DePIN Surf accelerator program. This will involve identifying and selecting promising seed-stage startups in the fields of DePIN, AI, and RWA within the Web3 sphere. You will provide these startups with the necessary support and resources for their growth, as well as manage and enhance a distinguished mentor network comprising founders, VCs, angels, KOLs, and other industry experts. Serving as the main point of contact between the founders and IoTeX’s internal teams, you will coordinate resources related to tooling, marketing, and events with support from IoTeX's core team members. In this role, you will act as a mentor, advocate, and facilitator for these early-stage ventures, playing a crucial role in driving their success and contributing to the broader IoTeX and DePIN ecosystem.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and assessment of the accelerator program.

• Curate a diverse and impactful group of DePIN startups through rigorous recruitment and selection processes (three cohorts annually).

• Develop and deliver a 6-week virtual curriculum focusing on key areas such as fundraising, tokenomics, community expansion, network and token launch strategies, and market entry tactics.

• Guide and mentor startups throughout the program, offering tailored advice and assistance.

• Organize workshops, pitch sessions, networking events, and Real World Demo Days (online and offline) to connect startups with industry experts, investors, and potential collaborators.

• Monitor key performance indicators and evaluate program outcomes to drive continuous enhancements.

• Ecosystem Development:

• Forge and nurture relationships with vital stakeholders in the DePIN and Web3 ecosystem, including investors, VCs, KOLs, researchers, CEXs, L1s, infrastructure partners, top-tier founders, and mentors.

• Represent the accelerator at media engagements, industry gatherings, conferences, and meetups.

• Establish and oversee a network of mentors and advisors spanning various domains.

• Manage social channels like Discord to encourage a cooperative and supportive community among startups, mentors, and partners.

• Host podcasts, interviews, and Twitter Spaces discussions with accelerator founders, mentors, and industry voices to provide valuable insights for IoTeX and the DePIN category.

• Operational Excellence:

• Develop and oversee program budgets and resources efficiently.

• Collaborate closely with other departments within IoTeX (BD, Marketing, Tech, Product, etc.) and with program partners to ensure seamless execution.

• Utilize data-driven decision-making processes to optimize program performance.

• Sustain robust relationships with investors, sponsors, and other key stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• 5-7 years of prior startup/tech experience, with a minimum of 2 years in a managerial or leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated capability to envision, orchestrate, and execute program strategies, including conducting accelerator meetings and workshops.
• Background in venture capital, with the ability to cultivate a diversified portfolio of DePIN projects by conducting due diligence on applicants and allocating capital efficiently.
• Sound understanding of Web3 technologies, blockchain, AI, and related fields.
• Proven track record in building ecosystems and nurturing relationships with industry players.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for effectively representing the accelerator and IoTeX across various platforms.
• Experience in curriculum development and delivery of educational programs, especially in startup or tech environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, with a focus on operational excellence and strategic thinking.
• Strong history of enhancing program performance through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Passion for mentoring and supporting early-stage ventures, with a deep commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the IoTeX and DePIN ecosystem.

MachineFi Lab, IoTeX’s core developer, is at the forefront of providing technology for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) in the realm of Web3. The team, comprising over 60 research scientists and engineers, introduced W3bstream, the world's first decentralized off-chain compute framework for smart devices and real-world data. MachineFi Labs aims to deliver advanced middleware and tools catering to businesses transitioning from Web2 to Web3, linking to Web3 token incentives through user-owned smart devices. This paves the way for new business prospects via its Proof-of-Anything technology, adaptable across various data sets such as location, activity, and human behavior.

MachineFi Lab offers user-friendly tools for creating X-and-earn scenarios like play-and-earn, walk-and-earn, or sleep-and-earn, leveraging community-owned machine networks like smart cities and public utilities. Supported by almost 20 prominent VCs including Samsung Next, Jump Crypto, Draper Dragon, Xoogler Ventures, IOSG, Wemade, and Escape Velocity, MachineFi Lab is dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology that bridges the metaverse and physical world.