Head of Business Development – Venture Studio & Advisory Firm

About the Role:

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and relationship-driven Head of Business Development to lead growth initiatives for our venture studio and advisory firm. This role is pivotal to scaling our operations, forging strategic partnerships, and driving client acquisition to support early- and growth-stage businesses in the consumer sector.

As the Head of Business Development, you will play a key role in identifying opportunities, building relationships, and executing strategies that expand our studio’s reach and support our mission of creating transformative value for our portfolio companies and advisory clients.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Acquisition & Relationship Management:

• Identify and engage potential advisory clients, including consumer-focused startups, growth-stage companies, and their leadership teams.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with founders, CEOs, and decision-makers, serving as a trusted partner to their growth journey.
• Collaborate with studio leadership to structure and negotiate client engagements tailored to their strategic needs.

Partnership Development:

• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with ecosystem players, including accelerators, incubators, service providers, and corporate partners.
• Identify co-creation opportunities with partners that align with the studio’s value proposition and mission.

Pipeline Development:

• Create a steady pipeline of high-potential startups and growth-stage companies for studio and advisory engagements.
• Collaborate with the studio team to evaluate opportunities and align them with the firm’s resources and capabilities.

Strategic Growth Initiatives:

• Develop and execute business development strategies that expand the studio’s market presence and drive revenue growth.
• Work with the marketing team to design and implement campaigns that highlight the studio’s expertise, portfolio success stories, and unique offerings.
• Identify new markets, sectors, or service opportunities to expand the firm’s footprint.

Portfolio & Client Support:

• Act as a connector for portfolio companies and advisory clients, introducing them to strategic partners, potential investors, and other resources.
• Provide input and support for go-to-market strategies, strategic partnerships, and growth planning for clients.

Brand Positioning:

• Represent the studio at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to build visibility and credibility.
• Act as a thought leader, sharing insights on growth strategies, venture building, and consumer market trends.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
• 8 years of experience in business development, partnerships, or strategic sales within venture studios, startups, or advisory environments.
• Track record of success in client acquisition and relationship management.
• Industry Knowledge:
• Deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and consumer-driven industries, including DTC, e-commerce, and retail tech.
• Familiarity with venture building, advisory services, or strategic growth frameworks is a plus.
• Relationship Building:
• Exceptional ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with founders, executives, and ecosystem partners.
• Strategic Mindset:
• Proven ability to develop and execute growth strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Communication Skills:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of crafting compelling pitches and closing deals.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit:
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, unstructured environment with a focus on innovation and impact.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a venture studio and advisory firm dedicated to building and scaling transformative consumer businesses.
• Play a key role in shaping the growth of the studio and its portfolio companies.
• Work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your contributions will have a direct impact.

About Us:

Long Run is a consumer advisory and venture studio focused on building iconic, purpose-driven brands for the long run. Our advisory arm acts as co-founders, helping founders bring their ideas to life and beyond. We also work with existing brands to perfect their strategies across all areas of the business, enabling them to achieve their next level of growth. Additionally, Long Run provides venture and operating partner services to venture, growth, and private equity funds.

Our venture studio develops next-generation concepts in key consumer sectors, including retail/e-commerce (with a focus on beauty and apparel), fitness, health/wellness, and the care economy. We aim to provide strategic support to the companies we incubate, ensuring they are well-positioned for success from the start.