Director of Business Development – AI Agents for ASIC Design

About Alpha Design AI

Alpha Design AI builds Chip Agents™, the industry’s first AI-agent platform for RTL design and verification. We are redefining how silicon is built—moving from traditional EDA tools to AI-native virtual ASIC teams that dramatically accelerate time‑to‑tapeout, improve quality, and reduce engineering cost. Our customers range from fast‑growing AI chip startups to top‑10 global semiconductor companies. Backed by leading investors and AI researchers, we are scaling rapidly and building the foundation for the next generation of AI‑driven semiconductor companies.

We are seeking a Director of Business Development to shape the future of AI-native ASIC development. This highly strategic role focuses on large‑scale ASIC design partnerships, ecosystem deals, and new business models
, not quota‑driven transactional sales. You will work closely with the CEO, Product, and GTM leadership to: land and structure high‑impact ASIC design and platform deals
; develop new commercial and partnership models enabled by AI agents; help customers envision and build virtual ASIC companies powered by Chip Agents. This role is ideal for someone who has personally driven or negotiated large ASIC design wins and wants to operate at the intersection of technology, strategy, and industry transformation.

• Lead complex, high‑value business development efforts with semiconductor companies, AI accelerator startups, and system companies.
• Structure and close large ASIC‑related engagements (multi‑million‑dollar scope), including platform licensing, design enablement, joint development, or long‑term strategic partnerships.
• Work with executive stakeholders to align Chip Agents with customers’ silicon roadmaps and organizational goals.

• Design and pilot new business models enabled by AI agents (e.g., usage‑based models, outcome‑based pricing, co‑development frameworks, virtual design team models).
• Explore partnerships that blur the lines between tools, services, and platforms—redefining how ASICs are built and staffed.
• Collaborate with Product and Finance to translate new business models into scalable offerings.

• Build strategic relationships across the semiconductor ecosystem, including silicon vendors, cloud providers, IP vendors, and manufacturing partners.
• Identify opportunities for co‑marketing, joint offerings, or ecosystem leverage that accelerate adoption of Chip Agents.
• Act as a senior external representative of Alpha Design AI at industry forums and executive meetings.

• Partner closely with the CEO on top‑tier strategic opportunities and board‑level conversations.
• Provide market feedback and strategic insight to inform product direction and long‑term company strategy.

• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor business development, strategic partnerships, or related roles.
• Direct experience winning or structuring large ASIC design deals (platform, design enablement, or silicon programs).
• Deep understanding of ASIC design flows, verification, and the economics of building silicon teams.
• Proven ability to engage VP‑ and C‑level executives in strategic, non‑transactional conversations.
• Strong judgment, creativity, and comfort operating in ambiguity.

• Experience spanning EDA, silicon startups, hyperscalers, or AI infrastructure companies.
• Familiarity with emerging AI‑driven development workflows or developer platforms.
• Track record of launching or scaling new business models, not just executing existing ones.
• MBA or advanced technical degree (EE/CS).

• Help define the next paradigm of ASIC development powered by AI agents.
• Work directly with the CEO on category‑defining strategy and deals.
• Shape how future “virtual ASIC companies” are built—faster, leaner, and AI-native.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and the opportunity to build something truly industry‑changing.