About this role
🌍 We’re making security suck less for developers. Security tools haven’t kept up with how software is built today. They interrupt teams, slow releases, and turn security into a bottleneck instead of a capability. We built Aikido to change that. Aikido builds developer-first security products that reduce real risk without getting in the way of shipping software. We focus on what actually matters and automate the rest. We’re taking on legacy security tools that teams have been stuck with, and we’re winning. If you want to help us take market share and build products developers actually enjoy using, you’re in the right place. Founded in 2022 by third-time founders, Aikido has $85M in the bank and a long runway ahead. We’re building toward self-securing software. Join an all-star team. Take real ownership. Push boundaries. Build things that matter. As our Corporate Development Lead, you will serve as the strategic growth engine for Aikido. You will lead our M&A, investment, and strategic partnership efforts end to end, offloading founder bandwidth, accelerating our roadmap, and shaping Aikido’s market expansion. Responisbilities Source and build a pipeline of M&A, partnership, and investment targets aligned to Aikido's strategy. Lead first-contact outreach and early-stage conversations with target founders/CEOs. Qualify opportunities and build the initial business case (fit, rationale, indicative valuation). Coordinate diligence and deal workstreams across founders, General Counsel, CFO, and Chief of Staff. Maintain deal trackers, pipeline reporting, and the M&A program-office rhythm. Support post-close integration planning alongside deal owners.