Head of Business Development

Lumai•San Francisco, CA

8h•Remote

About The Position

Lumai is redefining how the world computes. We are an ambitious, venture-backed UK startup pioneering a breakthrough AI accelerator for data centers which uses 3D optical compute. Our radical technology uses light to perform computation at orders of magnitude faster speeds and at far greater scales than ever before, all whilst consuming far less energy than traditional approaches. Lumai is unlocking performance and efficiency gains that could transform the economics of AI and compute infrastructure and reshape how intelligence scales globally. If you are passionate about bringing groundbreaking technology to market, and want to be part of a team pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible, Lumai is where you can make it happen. Founded in 2022, Lumai is a University of Oxford spinout using optical processing to accelerate large language models (LLMs) and other transformer-based AI systems. The team combines expertise in optical computing, machine learning, and physics. Lumai has already secured over $15 million in investment from leading deep-tech investors like Constructor Capital, IP Group, PhotonVentures and government grants, and is scaling rapidly to deploy the fastest optical compute currently available globally.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in semiconductors, data centers, or HPC, including at least 5 years in business development or strategic account management
Experience in scaling deep tech ventures is strongly preferred
Deep understanding of the AI compute landscape, including hyperscalers, cloud providers, and AI model developers
Strong understanding of data center infrastructure (CPU, GPU, networking) markets with demonstrated knowledge of these technologies
Strong existing network within North American AI and data center ecosystems
Self-motivated and collaborative leader with a track record of driving cross-functional initiatives across organizations and partnerships with global ecosystem partners
Comfortable working in an early-stage, fast-paced and sometimes high-ambiguity environment
Excellent communicator and relationship builder; confident representing cutting-edge products, benefits and technology at senior levels
Based in the Bay Area, with willingness to travel to other key technology areas in North America as well as to Lumai’s UK HQ

Responsibilities

Build and own strategic relationships across North American AI and data infrastructure ecosystems
Build market intelligence to shape Lumai’s go-to-market approach and strengthen our competitive position
Engage with executives, technologists, and partners to understand technical and commercial needs and to match needs with Lumai product benefits
Map key organizations, influence decision-makers, and identify partnership opportunities
Represent the company at major AI and compute conferences — including speaking engagements and networking events
Work closely with Lumai’s leadership and engineering teams to feed market insight into product and strategy
Operate independently in a fast-moving, sometimes ambiguous, pre-product environment
Cultivating partnerships, expanding Lumai’s presence, and guiding the full business development lifecycle - from initial engagement to long-term strategic growth.
Shaping early partnerships, understanding requirements, and helping guide our product and go-to-market strategy.
Contributing directly to the strategic vision of the company at the leadership level and assisting with future fundraising efforts as we raise additional capital.