Business Development Manager (AI & Game Tech)

LIGHTSPEED Open · verified Sep 10, 2026

California-Palo Alto Full-time Manager Business Development

Mid-level Business Development role at LIGHTSPEED. California-Palo Alto · full-time · $124,000–$233,600 base.

SalaryStated by LIGHTSPEED

$124,000 – $233,600

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Find and assess emerging generative AI and UGC technologies, partners, and their effects on games
Track North American gaming and technology changes, then brief senior leaders and studio heads
Source game-industry talent, startups, and projects for potential investment or collaboration
Build expert and co-development networks to help internal teams move projects forward

What you bring

Strong knowledge of AI applications and a demonstrable interest in game technology
At least three years in technology business development or strategy, with evidence of spotting early trends
An active California Bay Area network spanning developers, AI researchers, and startup founders
Strong Mandarin and English communication, analytical, negotiation, and technical-to-business translation skills

Who this fits

You’ll suit a North America-focused role that combines AI, gaming, market intelligence, talent scouting, and partnership development. You must be based in the California Bay Area and able to work across Mandarin- and English-speaking stakeholders. Familiarity with UGC ecosystems such as Roblox, Minecraft, or UEFN is an advantage.

From the employer

Business Unit

LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.

What the Role Entails

As a Business Development Manager, your primary mission is to anchor our organization at the intersection of AI innovation and the gaming ecosystem. You will be the "eyes and ears" in North America, focusing heavily on Generative AI and UGC platforms to drive our next generation of growth. You will transform technical trends into strategic intelligence and bridge the gap between world-class talent and our internal product teams.

Key Responsibilities:

AI & UGC Insight: Lead the identification and evaluation of emerging Generative AI and UGC technologies and partners, while assessing their potential impact on game production and player experience
Market Intelligence: Monitor and analyze the North American gaming market shifts and technology trends. Deliver time-sensitive intelligence to senior leadership and studio heads to support strategic decision-making.
Project & Talent Scouting: Proactively source and engage with top-tier video-game industry talent and high-potential startups/projects in North America. In addition, build a pipeline of "game-changing" innovation for potential investment or collaboration.
Expert Network & Development Capability Sourcing: Develop and maintain a solid network of contacts related to subject matter experts, and high-quality co-development/outsourcing partners to accelerate our internal project timelines.

Who We Look For

Technical Acumen: A deep, demonstratable interest in game-related technology. High proficiency in AI applications is mandatory. Experience with or a strong understanding of UGC ecosystems (e.g., Roblox, Minecraft, UEFN) is a top-tier advantage.
Strategic Vision: 3+ years of experience in tech BD, strategy with a proven track record of identifying industry-shifting trends before they go mainstream.
Sourcing Capabilities: Strong "hunter" instincts with the ability to navigate the NA tech landscape to find elite talent and stealth-mode projects.
Local Professional Network: Currently based in the California Bay Area with an active network among local developers, AI researchers and startup founders.
Language & Communication: Exceptional analytical output and negotiation skills in both Mandarin and English. Ability to synthesize complex technical concepts into clear business cases for cross-border stakeholders.

Location State(s)

US-California-Palo Alto

The expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $124,000.00 to $233,600.00 per year. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Employees hired for this position may be eligible for a sign on payment, relocation package, and restricted stock units, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the plans in effect, hired applicants are also eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, and participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan. The Employee is also eligible for up to 15 to 25 days of vacation per year (depending on the employee’s tenure), up to 13 days of holidays throughout the calendar year, and up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year.
Your benefits may be adjusted to reflect your location, employment status, duration of employment with the company, and position level. Benefits may also be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent

As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.