About Deeli AI
In an era of data explosion and AI advancements, innovation decisions still rely on guesswork. Global enterprises invest billions in innovation exploration annually, yet miss critical opportunities due to fragmented signals and gut instinct. This isn't just an efficiency problem—it's a massive waste of innovation potential.
After two decades in innovation, we’ve seen this challenge firsthand. There’s never been a reliable system for identifying high-potential and viable leading-edge technologies early and making confident decisions.
That’s why we built Deeli AI — To empower every innovation-driven company to innovate boldly and confidently—with the right data, at the right time.
Backed by the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund and part of Batch 18, Deeli AI is creating the world’s first AI-native innovation intelligence platform. We aggregate global signals—academic research, patents, grants, and hidden startups—to surface emerging technologies before the market reacts. Founded by a second-time entrepreneur and built by a world-class team with experience at MediaTek, AWS, and Deloitte, we've recently launched our beta and secured PoCs with two of the world's top semiconductor companies-each potentially valued in the hundreds of thousands (USD).
Now is the perfect moment to join us—at a critical inflection point where your contribution can shape the company and the future of innovation itself.
About the Role
As Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, you will be at the forefront of driving Deeli AI’s growth, strategy, and impact. As a key partner to the founder & CEO, you will lead our mission to develop a cutting-edge technology intelligence AI platform, build strategic partnerships, and establish our presence in the Bay Area's thriving innovation ecosystem.
This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, data-driven, and strategic leader to take ownership of growth initiatives, drive meaningful results, and make a lasting impact in a high-potential startup.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Product-Market Fit
- Drive discovery conversations with corporates, innovation centers, and VCs
- Strategize go-to-market experiments and iterate toward PMF
- Translate market needs into scalable product hypotheses across mulitple sectors
Team Building & Leadership
- Recruit and manage top-tier global talent
- Coach and mentor 5–10 UC Berkeley interns / part-time team members
- Collaborate with CEO on org structure, roles, and culture
Brand Awareness & Growth
- Establish Deeli AI as a thought leader and create widespread market awareness
- Identify relevant media outlets and conduct PR initiatives
- Create inbound lead engines through product storytelling and ecosystem positioning
Fundraising & Strategic Ops
- Co-develop business plans, pitch decks, diligence materials
- Join CEO in investor outreach, networking, and fundraising meetings
- Help shape company strategy, techno-economic planning, and resource allocation
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a leader who is entrepreneurial, results-driven, and thrives in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal candidate should be a bold risk-taker, ready to embrace challenges and navigate the inherent uncertainties of building an early-stage company.
Must-Have Qualifications
- Proven track record in building and scaling B2B products from 0 to 1.
- Strong business development and strategic partnership experience, with a history of successful execution.
- Data-driven mindset, with the ability to set, track, and achieve growth objectives using metrics and OKRs.
- Excellent communication skills, with a strong ability to understand and empathize with customer needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in innovation-driven industries (e.g., semiconductor, consumer electronics, advanced materials/chemical, robotics, or other deep tech fields), particularly in strategic technology planning roles within R&D-led companies.
- Deep familiarity with startup ecosystems and strong connections with venture capitalists, especially in the Bay Area.
- Demonstrated experience in building brand awareness through strategic PR, thought leadership, or media engagement, particularly in early-stage startups or innovation-focused organizations
- Ideally a former startup founder/co-founder, or has held a managing partner role at a VC firm.
- Has a proven track record in B2B two-sided platforms or marketplaces
- Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, both written and spoken.
Compensation
This is a high-impact founding role, and we offer meaningful ownership to match. Compensation will be in the form of above-market equity—reflecting the strategic value and leadership expected from this role.
⚠️ Important Note:Prior to securing Seed funding, this role will be compensated exclusively through equity. The equity stake will be determined based on experience, contribution, and negotiation, and will be subject to vesting terms. A salaried package will be introduced once funding is raised. Given the current stage of the company, we strongly advise individuals with immediate financial obligations or significant income dependency to refrain from applying for this role.
Why Join Us?
- Shape the next unicorn—before the world sees it. Join early and help build a breakthrough AI platform that's revolutionizing the future of innovation.
- Executive-level ownership. We offer above-market equity to reward your leadership and impact from day one.
- Work with global top talent. Collaborate with world-class teams across New York, San Francisco, and Taipei in a flexible, cross-cultural environment.
- High upside continues post-funding. Upon successful Seed financing, this role will include a competitive salary in addition to retained equity and significant long-term growth potential.