At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic initiatives and support business development in the DeFi space.
- Company: Join Aave Labs, a leader in decentralised finance with a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while working on high-impact projects.
- 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 employer: Aave Labs
Aave Labs is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and inclusivity in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized finance. With a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to take ownership of impactful initiatives while enjoying significant growth opportunities within a globally distributed team. Located at the forefront of financial technology, Aave Labs offers a unique chance to shape the future of onchain finance in a supportive environment that values diversity and individual contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy & Business Development Associate
✨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 and engage with them. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Aave's products and the DeFi landscape. Show us you’re not just familiar with the basics but can discuss trends and challenges in the space. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from being proactive and showing your interest before a role is even advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Share any additional thoughts or insights you have about the conversation. It shows initiative and keeps the dialogue going!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy & Business Development Associate
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. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate how you've tackled complex problems and contributed to growth initiatives in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively. Remember, less is often more!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aave Labs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Aave Labs and the DeFi landscape. Familiarise yourself with their products, recent developments, and how they fit into the broader financial ecosystem. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your analytical and strategic thinking capabilities. Bring examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified market opportunities or driven initiatives. Highlight your attention to detail and how it has contributed to successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in the past. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped bridge gaps and drive projects forward.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for DeFi
Express your enthusiasm for decentralized finance and emerging financial infrastructure. Share any personal projects, research, or insights you've gained about the industry. This will not only reflect your passion but also your commitment to contributing to Aave Labs' mission.
