AI Accelerator Lead (AI)

TL;DR

AI Accelerator Lead (AI/Startups): Owning the Vercel AI Accelerator end-to-end to support pre-seed and idea-stage AI founders with an accent on program strategy, cohort management, and founder engagement. Focus on designing repeatable program lifecycles, building scalable operational systems, and amplifying founder stories within the AI ecosystem.

Location: Must be based in New York City or San Francisco

Salary: $114,000 - $172,000 (SF base pay)

Company

Vercel is an agentic infrastructure company and the team behind Next.js, v0, and AI SDK, focused on helping builders move from idea to production with speed and exceptional developer experience.

What you will do

• Own the Vercel AI Accelerator strategy, roadmap, and execution to run multiple high-quality cohorts per year.
• Design a repeatable program for pre-seed and idea-stage AI founders to move from early ideas to working products and strong technical foundations.
• Manage the full cohort lifecycle including applications, selection, onboarding, community engagement, and Demo Day.
• Build scalable systems for application review, founder communications, partner activation, and operational tracking.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Startups, Community, Product Marketing, DevRel, and Engineering teams.
• Establish trusted relationships with founders, VCs, and AI ecosystem partners to bring insights back into Vercel's product strategy.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in startup programs, accelerators, venture capital, or strategic programs, preferably in high-growth tech.
• Proven experience owning complex programs end-to-end from initial strategy through execution and iteration.
• Deep understanding of pre-seed and idea-stage technical founders building products from 0 to 1.
• Strong interest in AI-native startups, developer tools, and infrastructure.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse functions including Legal, Sales, Engineering, and Product.
• Strong editorial and storytelling instincts to identify and develop compelling founder narratives.

Nice to have

• Experience running a fellowship, founder community, demo day, or venture-backed startup program.
• Prior experience as a founder, early startup employee, or investor.
• Familiarity with modern web and AI tools such as Vercel, Next.js, v0, AI SDK, or Claude Code.
• Experience producing founder-facing events, workshops, or content programs.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including equity.
• Inclusive healthcare package.
• Professional growth through mentorship and networking events.
• Flexible time off policy.
• Provision of necessary gear and a WFH budget for home office setup.