Product Strategy and Corporate Development Lead, AI

Datadog is seeking a highly motivated Senior Corporate Development Lead to drive our AI product strategy, build strong relationships across the founder and VC ecosystem, and support high-impact initiatives including acquisitions, venture investments, and startup partnerships.

You will be part of a small, high-visibility team that reports directly to Datadog’s Founder/CEO. The ideal candidate is passionate about AI and developer tools, comfortable rolling up their sleeves, and excited to operate in a fluid, technically demanding environment.

Responsibilities:

• Support Datadog’s AI product strategy by analyzing emerging technologies, market opportunities, and competitive dynamics.
• Source high-potential AI startups for acquisition, investment, or partnership, and build a strong presence across the founder and VC ecosystem.
• Attend meetups, conferences, and ecosystem events to expand Datadog’s visibility and pipeline opportunities.
• Drive workstreams across diligence, valuation, financial modeling, strategic assessment, and internal recommendations.
• Partner with Product and Engineering leaders to evaluate build/buy/partner opportunities aligned with Datadog’s AI roadmap.
• Support negotiation processes, including term sheets and partnership structures.
• Collaborate on integration planning with cross-functional partners after acquisitions or strategic deals.
• Help attract early-stage AI companies into Datadog’s startup program.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated technical knowledge through past experience (software engineering, product management, VC, etc.) or a degree in Computer Science (or equivalent).
• Some experience with financial modeling, forecasting, or analysis (willingness to learn; we can teach you).
• Excited about building and maintaining a strong network across founders, VCs, and the broader AI ecosystem.
• Self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous, and technically challenging environments.
• Excellent prioritization and ability to operate across multiple complex stakeholders and projects.
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for developing negotiation capabilities.

Benefits and Growth:

• Best-in-breed onboarding
• Generous global benefits
• Intra-departmental mentor and buddy program for in-house networking
• New hire stock equity (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Continuous professional development, product training, and career pathing
• An inclusive company culture, able to join our Community Guilds and Inclusion Talks