Strategy & Business Development Associate in London

Strategy & Business Development Associate in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive strategic initiatives and support business development in the DeFi space.
  • Company: Join Aave Labs, a leader in decentralised finance innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance while working with a global team.
  • Qualifications: 3-5 years in strategy or business development, with a passion for crypto.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Aave Labs began with a simple question: how do we make financial services like borrowing, saving, and earning more accessible globally? We built the Aave Protocol, now the world’s largest and most trusted onchain lending market, connecting decentralized finance with individuals, traditional finance, and fintech. Today, we build trusted, high-quality products that expand access to lending, credit, and savings globally.

Our culture

We build trusted products that help people access and discover economic opportunities. We hold a high bar for quality and craftsmanship. No detail is too small. Trust depends on it. We’re a global team building products people can actually use, turning complex technology into something simple and reliable. We stay aligned, move quickly, and think long term, while keeping teams lean and focused on impact.

About the role:

We are looking for a highly driven Strategy & BD Associate to work closely with Aave Labs’ leadership team on high-impact strategic initiatives across ecosystem growth, product expansion, and institutional adoption. This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of strategy, business development, and execution within one of the most influential organizations in decentralized finance. The role is designed for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, enjoys solving complex problems, and is excited to help shape the future of onchain finance.

You will support and help drive a broad range of initiatives across Aave Labs, reporting to the Chief Strategy & Business Officer, working cross-functionally with product, engineering, legal, marketing, ecosystem, and external partners. This role is intentionally designed with broad exposure across strategy, ecosystem growth, and execution. For the right person, it represents a significant opportunity to grow within Aave Labs’ business development and strategic functions over time, take ownership of key initiatives, and help shape the evolution of the team as the organization continues to scale.

How you can make an impact:

  • Support the development and execution of strategic growth initiatives across Aave Labs’ ecosystem and products.
  • Work closely with leadership to help identify and evaluate new market opportunities and expansion strategies.
  • Coordinate cross-functional initiatives across product, engineering, legal, marketing, and ecosystem teams to drive execution and alignment.
  • Assist in developing and managing strategic partnerships across DeFi, fintech, infrastructure, and institutional ecosystems.
  • Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and ecosystem mapping to support business and strategic decision-making.
  • Help prepare strategic materials including partnership proposals, market overviews, presentations, and ecosystem analyses.
  • Support business development efforts including outreach coordination, pipeline management, partner tracking, and stakeholder communication.
  • Monitor trends across DeFi, stablecoins, tokenization, institutional adoption, and digital asset infrastructure to identify emerging opportunities.
  • Contribute to internal strategic planning and operational initiatives as Aave Labs continues to scale globally.

Let's connect if you have:

  • 3–5 years of experience in strategy, business development or partnerships, and digital assets.
  • Strong understanding of crypto, DeFi, and the evolving digital asset ecosystem.
  • Intellectual curiosity and a genuine passion for decentralized finance and emerging financial infrastructure.
  • Exceptional communication, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Ability to operate autonomously and manage multiple workstreams in fast-moving environments.
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities with high attention to detail.
  • Comfortable working cross-functionally with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • High-agency mindset with a willingness to take ownership and drive initiatives forward.
  • Strong team player who thrives in collaborative and globally distributed environments.

Equal opportunities statement:

Aave Labs celebrates diversity and views each and every team member as a separate individual with their own unique identity. No matter your race, religion, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation or even the wallet you use, we welcome you at Aave Labs. As an equal opportunities employer, we take accountability and believe in everyone's potential to build, create and inspire changes. With a mission to build a diverse workforce, we are proud to foster a working environment in which everyone can feel safe and valued for who they are.

Strategy & Business Development Associate in London employer: Aave Labs

Aave Labs is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and inclusivity in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized finance. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer unique opportunities to engage in high-impact strategic initiatives while collaborating with a diverse global team. Our culture prioritises trust, quality, and craftsmanship, ensuring that every team member can thrive in a fast-paced environment where their contributions are valued and impactful.

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Contact Details:

Aave Labs Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategy & Business Development Associate in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Aave Labs. Use LinkedIn or even Twitter to connect with current employees and ask them about their experiences. A personal touch can make all the difference!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Aave Labs' products and the DeFi space. Understand their mission and how they operate. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've tackled complex challenges. Aave Labs values innovative thinkers, so highlight your analytical abilities and strategic mindset.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Aave Labs team. Let’s get you that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Strategy & Business Development Associate in London

Strategic Thinking
Business Development
Market Research
Competitive Analysis
Ecosystem Mapping
Project Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for DeFi:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for decentralized finance shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the industry and have a strong understanding of its trends and challenges.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in strategy and business development. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've tackled complex problems and contributed to growth initiatives in previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your key achievements stand out so we can easily see your impact.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Aave Labs

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the DeFi landscape and Aave's role in it. Brush up on recent trends, key players, and how Aave's products stand out. This will show your passion and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of complex problems you've tackled in previous roles. Highlight your analytical thinking and how you approached these challenges. Aave Labs values individuals who can think strategically and execute effectively, so demonstrate your ability to navigate fast-moving environments.

Be Ready to Collaborate

Since the role involves working cross-functionally, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in the past. Share specific instances where your communication and organisational skills made a difference in achieving a common goal.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in Aave Labs and its future. Inquire about their strategic initiatives, market opportunities, or how they measure success in their partnerships. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.